inflame

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Inflamed p. pr. & vb. n. Inflaming. ] [ OE. enflamen, OF. enflamer, F. enflammer, L. inflammare, inflammatum; pref. in- in + flammare to flame, fr. flamma flame. See Flame. ] 1. To set on fire; to kindle; to cause to burn, flame, or glow. [ 1913 Webster ]

We should have made retreat
By light of the inflamed fleet. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire. [ 1913 Webster ]

Though more, it seems,
Inflamed with lust than rage. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

But, O inflame and fire our hearts. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage. [ 1913 Webster ]

It will inflame you; it will make you mad. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Med.) To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To exaggerate; to enlarge upon. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A friend exaggerates a man's virtues, an enemy inflames his crimes. Addison.

Syn. -- To provoke; fire; kindle; irritate; exasperate; incense; enrage; anger; excite; arouse. [ 1913 Webster ]

p. a. 1. Set on fire; enkindled; heated; congested; provoked; exasperated. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Her.) Represented as burning, or as adorned with tongues of flame. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Med.) Having an inflammation in; -- of tissues; as, an inflamed appendix. [ PJC ]