Definition
Arson is the criminal act of intentionally setting fire to a property, such as a building or vehicle, without the owner’s consent.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Fire-raising, incendiarism, pyromania
Antonyms
Extinguishing, dousing, quenching
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | arsons, arsonist, arson, arsonists |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The police suspect that the fire at the warehouse was the result of arson, and they are investigating the incident.
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Arson is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
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The insurance company refused to pay the claim for the fire damage because they believed it was caused by arson.
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The arsonist was caught on surveillance footage setting fire to the abandoned building.
Usage
Arson is a serious crime that is often motivated by revenge, greed, or a desire to cover up another crime. It is considered a violent crime because it endangers the lives of people and animals, and it causes damage to property. Arsonists use a variety of methods to set fires, including matches, lighters, accelerants, and incendiary devices.
In many countries, arson is a felony offense that carries a long prison sentence and heavy fines. Arson investigations often involve extensive forensic analysis of the fire scene, including collecting samples of debris, analyzing burn patterns, and examining electrical and gas systems.
Prefixes, suffixes, and roots are not commonly used with the word “arson.” However, the term “arsonist” is commonly used to describe a person who commits arson. Additionally, the word “fire” is sometimes used as a synonym for arson, although “fire” can also refer to accidental or natural fires.