French Conversation · Level 139
30 words
French word
enflammer
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃flame/
Meaning
- verbexcite
Example
Le concert a enflammé la foule.
The concert excited the crowd.
More examples
La polémique a enflammé le débat.
The controversy inflamed the debate.
Core concept
One spreading blaze, either physical or emotional.
Common phrases
enflammer un débat
inflame a debate
enflammer les esprits
inflame people's emotions
Similar words
enthousiasmer: To fill people with joy or interest and make them eager.
exciter: To arouse someone's feelings and put them in an excited state.
inciter: To urge or lead someone to take a particular action.
attiser: To fan existing emotions and make them more intense.
Definition in French
Mettre le feu à quelque chose ou susciter une émotion vive chez des personnes.
Word origin
The verb developed from Latin inflammare through Old French enflammer, keeping its literal sense and later extending it to intense emotion.
Usage tips
- In figurative use, enflammer is stronger than neutral verbs such as enthousiasmer and can suggest stirring a crowd into intense excitement.
Other meanings
- set fire toverb
- inciteverb
Opposites
- calmercalmverb
- désamorcerdefuseverb
Related words
- enflammépassionateadjective