conflagration
IPA
Definition of 'conflagration'
A large, destructive fire that spreads rapidly and uncontrollably, often resulting in significant damage to property and loss of life.
"The city was devastated by a massive conflagration that consumed several buildings."
Detailed Meaning of 'conflagration'
The term conflagration is typically used to describe a particularly severe or extensive fire that exceeds the scope of a typical blaze, and which may require the coordinated efforts of multiple fire departments and emergency responders to extinguish. Conflagrations can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters such as wildfires or lightning strikes, as well as human activity such as arson or accidental ignition of flammable materials. Due to their destructive nature, conflagrations pose a significant risk to both individuals and communities, and often require significant resources to contain and control.
Examples of 'conflagration' in a Sentence
1. The firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the conflagration that had engulfed the forest.
2. The conflagration in the factory caused millions of dollars in damages.
3. The village was evacuated due to the threat of an impending conflagration.
4. The newspaper reported on the latest conflagration to hit the city.
5. The conflagration started in the kitchen and quickly spread to other parts of the house.
6. The town was still reeling from the conflagration that had destroyed their beloved library.
Origins & Etymology of 'conflagration'
The noun 'conflagration' has an etymology that aptly describes a large and destructive fire. It comes from the Latin word 'conflagrare,' which combines 'con,' meaning 'together,' and 'flagrare,' meaning 'to burn.' Therefore, 'conflagration' originally meant 'to burn together' or 'to burn intensely.' In English, it describes a large and destructive fire that spreads rapidly and uncontrollably, often causing significant damage to property and the potential for loss of life. The etymology of 'conflagration' underscores its historical association with intense and widespread fires, emphasizing the speed and ferocity with which such fires can consume and destroy.
Synonyms
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