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Added 29 September 2026

incendiary

/ɪnˈsɛn.dɪ.əɹ.i/ adjective

In Latin: incendiarius Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about incendiary at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Capable of, or used for, or actually causing fire.
Of a damaging fire, intentionally caused rather than accidental.
Intentionally stirring up strife, riot, rebellion.

noun

Something capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.
The military used incendiaries to destroy the building. Fortunately, the fire didn't spread.
One who maliciously sets fires.
One who excites or inflames factions into quarrels.

Origin

From Middle English incendiarie, from Old French incendiaire, from Latin incendiārius (“setting alight”), from incendium (“destructive fire”), from incendō (“to set on fire, kindle”), from in- (“into, in, on, upon”) + candeō (“to be hot”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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