/ ɪnˈfleɪm; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to cause very strong feelings, especially anger or excitement, in a person or in a group of people :
His comments have inflamed teachers all over the country.
2.
to make a situation worse or more difficult to deal with :
The situation was further inflamed by the arrival of the security forces.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English enflaume , inflaume , from Old French enflammer , from Latin inflammare , from in- into + flamma flame.