What does incendiary mean?
Incendiary is a forceful word with both a literal and a figurative meaning. In its literal sense, it describes something designed to cause a fire, such as an incendiary device or an incendiary substance. As an adjective, it can also describe language or conduct intended to stir up anger, fear, hostility, or disorder, as in incendiary speech. The figurative meaning developed from the literal one: just as an incendiary can set a physical fire, incendiary rhetoric attempts to set emotions or conflict ablaze. As a noun, an incendiary may be a person who deliberately commits arson or a device designed to start a fire. The word is used in British and American English and is especially common in news, political, and legal discussion. It is more strongly evaluative than inflammatory, although the two terms are often used together.
Designed to set fire to something, or intended to provoke anger, hostility, or disorder.
"Authorities issued a warning after recovering an incendiary device from the warehouse."
The figurative sense is common in discussion of political speech, propaganda, and public controversy.
A person who deliberately sets fires, or a device designed to cause a fire.
"The suspect was charged as an incendiary after the investigation concluded."
The noun is countable and can refer to an arsonist or to an incendiary device.
The plural is used for people or devices that are incendiaries.
"Several incendiaries were recovered from the abandoned building."
Incendiary began as a word for fire-setting: its modern sense as a troublemaker is an extension of the idea of setting the world alight, figuratively speaking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incendiary come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from Latin, where incendere means “to set on fire” and incendiarius refers to something connected with setting fires. Its earliest English uses were primarily literal, referring to people or devices involved in arson. Over time, the word developed a figurative sense for speech or actions that provoke conflict or disorder. Related forms include incendiate and incendium, while incense derives from the same Latin verbal root.
Related word forms
How incendiary is actually used
The word is strongly negative and can sound deliberately dramatic in political or media contexts. In its literal sense, it is mainly used for devices, substances, or acts intended to cause fires; in figurative use, it describes rhetoric or conduct that seeks to inflame hostility.
Easily confused with incendiary
Incendiary can mean intended to cause a fire or deliberately stir up hostility, whereas inflammatory more commonly means arousing strong feelings or disagreement.