Conflagration

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˌkɒn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/ (British), /ˌkɑːn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/ (American)

Definitions

• A large and destructive fire that burns extensively.
• A widespread and intense conflict, war, or upheaval.

Usage Examples

• The forest conflagration lasted for days, destroying thousands of acres.
• The political unrest escalated into a national conflagration.
• A small spark was enough to ignite the conflagration that consumed the entire village.

Etymology

Derived from Latin conflagratio, from conflagrare ("to burn up"), composed of con- ("together") + flagrare ("to burn").

Synonyms

• Inferno
• Blaze
• Firestorm
• Holocaust
• Wildfire

Antonyms

• Extinguishment
• Quenching
• Calm
• Peace

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˌkɒn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
• American English: /ˌkɑːn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/

Historical Usage

"Conflagration" has been historically used to describe catastrophic fires and large-scale wars, particularly in historical and literary texts.

Cultural Nuances

The word is often used metaphorically to describe violent conflicts, revolutions, and disasters.

More Information

Though primarily associated with fires, "conflagration" is commonly used in political and social discourse to signify extreme turmoil.