conflagration
UK: /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃ(ə)n/ | US: /ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃ(ə)n/
n. a large, destructive fire that causes extensive damage
n. (figurative) an intense conflict or disaster
conflagration = con<together> + flagr<burn> + ation<noun suffix>
- con<together>: From Latin con-, meaning "together" or "with."
- flagr<burn>: From Latin flagrare, meaning "to burn" or "blaze."
- ation<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word conflagration originates from Latin conflagratio, combining con- (intensifying "together") and flagrare ("to burn"). It originally described a widespread fire, often catastrophic in scale. Over time, it retained its literal meaning while also gaining figurative use for intense conflicts or upheavals, mirroring the destructive force of fire.
The forest conflagration spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Historians compared the war to a political conflagration that consumed nations.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the conflagration in the industrial district.
The novel depicts a conflagration of rebellion against tyranny.
Dry conditions increased the risk of conflagrations across the region.