Definition

Conflagration refers to a large, destructive fire that causes extensive damage and often spreads quickly to nearby areas.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Noun

Synonyms

Blaze, inferno, firestorm, holocaust

Antonyms

None

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun conflagrations, conflagration
Verb None
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The conflagration in the warehouse destroyed all the stored goods, causing a loss of millions of dollars.

  • The firefighters struggled to contain the conflagration in the forest, as strong winds kept fanning the flames.

  • The old building had to be demolished after a conflagration broke out, leaving only charred remains.

  • The whole city was on high alert during the summer months, fearing a conflagration due to the dry and hot weather.

Usage

The term “conflagration” is typically used to describe a very intense and destructive fire that poses a significant threat to life and property. It can refer to a wildfire that spreads rapidly across a large area, a building or house fire that causes extensive damage, or any other type of blaze that is difficult to control. The word “conflagration” is often used to convey a sense of urgency or danger, as it implies that the fire is out of control and may cause widespread damage.

The word “conflagration” is derived from the Latin word “conflagrare”, which means “to burn up completely.” The prefix “con-” means “together” or “completely,” while the root “flagrare” means “to burn.” Therefore, the word “conflagration” literally means “a burning together” or “a complete burning.”

There are no common prefixes or suffixes that are typically used with the word “conflagration.” However, it can be combined with other words to create phrases that describe specific types of fires or situations. For example, a “forest conflagration” refers to a large fire that spreads through a forested area, while a “political conflagration” might describe a heated and contentious debate or conflict.

Overall, the term “conflagration” is a powerful and descriptive word that is often used to convey the seriousness of a fire or other emergency situation. Its strong connotations and associations with destruction and danger make it a useful word in many different contexts.