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Synonyms

inflammatory

American  
[in-flam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ɪnˈflæm əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

  1. tending to arouse anger, hostility, passion, etc..

    inflammatory speeches.

    Synonyms:
    provocative, incendiary, fiery
  2. Pathology. of or caused by inflammation.


inflammatory British  
/ ɪnˈflæmətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

  1. characterized by or caused by inflammation

  2. tending to arouse violence, strong emotion, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • inflammatorily adverb
  • noninflammatory adjective
  • subinflammatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflammatory

First recorded in 1725–35; from Latin inflammāt(us) “kindled” (past participle of inflammāre “to kindle”; inflame ) + -ory 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As his comments become more inflammatory, the film cuts to the increasingly nonplussed reactions of Palantine and an aide, who have realized their driver is unwell.

From The Wall Street Journal

"As a result, the inflammatory cells that enter the joint cannot be brought into check, and go on to trigger an inflammatory reaction in the joint."

From Science Daily

The treatment also helped preserve communication between different types of kidney cells and reduced age-related inflammatory activity at the genetic level.

From Science Daily

She was told she would have to have her gallbladder removed, but before she could have the operation, her gallstones caused pancreatitis – an inflammatory disease that can be fatal.

From BBC

The findings could lead to new approaches for treating asthma and other inflammatory conditions.

From Science Daily