Definition of "incendiary" in English

adjective

1. Capable of, or used for, or actually causing fire.

2. (technical) Of a damaging fire, intentionally caused rather than accidental.

3. (figurative) Intentionally stirring up strife, riot, rebellion.

4. (figurative) Inflammatory, emotionally charged.

   • Politics is an incendiary topic; it tends to cause fights to break out.

noun

1. Something capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.

   • The military used incendiaries to destroy the building. Fortunately, the fire didn't spread.

2. One who maliciously sets fires.

3. (figurative) One who excites or inflames factions into quarrels.

   • March 7, 1692, Richard Bentley, The Folly of Atheism Several cities […] drove them out as incendiaries.