ablaze
UK: əˈbleɪz | US: əˈbleɪz
adj. burning fiercely; on fire
adj. brightly lit or glowing
adj. (figuratively) intensely excited or passionate
The word "ablaze" combines the prefix "a-" (Old English "on," indicating a state or condition) with "blaze" (Old English "blæse," meaning "torch" or "bright flame"). Originally, "blaze" referred to a visible flame or light source. Over time, "a-" merged with "blaze" to form an adjective describing something actively burning or vividly illuminated. The figurative sense ("intensely excited") emerged later, metaphorically extending the imagery of fire to emotions or energy.
The forest was set ablaze by a lightning strike.
The sky turned ablaze with colors at sunset.
Her eyes were ablaze with determination.
The protesters marched, their torches held ablaze.
The headlines left the community ablaze with controversy.