# accelerant

/ækˈsɛɫɝənt/ (US) · /ɐksˈɛləɹənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accelerant
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

a substance that makes a fire burn faster or more easily. It is often used to start a fire or to make it spread more quickly.

For teachers: a substance that increases the speed or intensity of a chemical reaction, particularly combustion. Often used in forensic contexts to identify materials used to ignite a fire.

## Examples

- The fire started because someone used an accelerant.
- Fire investigators found traces of an accelerant in the basement, suggesting the blaze was not an accident.
- While gasoline is a common accelerant, forensic chemists must also test for less volatile substances like alcohol or lighter fluid to determine the fire's origin.

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