# incendiary

/ˌɪnˈsɛndiɛɹi/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɛndjəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incendiary
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. causing fire

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

designed to cause fires, especially when used as a weapon.

For teachers: capable of, or used for, causing fire; specifically relating to devices or substances designed to ignite on impact.

- The soldiers were warned about the danger of incendiary bombs in the area.
- The investigation revealed that an incendiary device had been planted in the basement to ensure the structure was completely destroyed by the blaze.

### 2. stirring up anger

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

likely to make people very angry or cause a lot of trouble and fighting.

For teachers: tending to stir up conflict, strife, or strong emotion; intentionally provocative or inflammatory in nature.

- The politician was criticized for his incendiary comments about the new law.
- The journalist's incendiary rhetoric was blamed for escalating the tensions between the two rival factions during the election cycle.

### 3. a fire-causing weapon

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a bomb or other object that is designed to start a fire.

For teachers: a weapon, such as a bomb, containing a substance that burns with intense heat.

- The aircraft dropped several incendiaries over the target zone.
- Military historians noted that the use of incendiaries during the siege led to unprecedented levels of civilian displacement and urban destruction.

### 4. a person who stirs up trouble

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

someone who intentionally starts arguments or causes social unrest.

For teachers: a person who excites or inflames factions into quarrels or rebellion.

- He was known as a political incendiary who loved to challenge the government.
- The authorities viewed the speaker not as a legitimate critic, but as a dangerous incendiary determined to undermine the stability of the region.

## Examples

- The politician gave an incendiary speech that caused a protest.
- Firefighters were called to the scene after an incendiary device was discovered in the abandoned warehouse.
- The journalist's incendiary remarks regarding the local government's failure to provide housing sparked a heated debate that lasted for several weeks in the national press.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.