inflammatory

From inflame + -atory.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈflæmət(ə)ɹi/, [ɪnˈflæmətʰəɹɪi̯], [ɪnˈflæmətɹ̝̊ɪi̯]
• (General American)
  • (without æ-raising) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈflæməˌtoɹi/, [ɪnˈflæməˌtʰoɹɪi̯]; /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔɹi/, [ɪnˈflæməˌtʰɔɹɪi̯]

    • Audio (US):

      (file)

  • (æ-raising) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈfleə̯məˌtoɹi/, /ɪnˈflɛəməˌtoɹi/
• Hyphenation: in‧flam‧ma‧tor‧y

inflammatory (comparative more inflammatory, superlative most inflammatory)

1. Tending to inflame or provoke somebody.

   Sam posted an inflammatory comment to the newsgroup.

   • 2024 September 13, Jeet Heer, “How Donald Trump Got Loomered”, in The Nation‎^[1], archived from the original on 5 October 2024:

     Even in MAGA circles, Loomer is regarded as a loose cannon who loves to get attention from inflammatory comments that undermine the Republican Party.

2. Relating to, causing, or caused by inflammation.
   • 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:

     As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.

inflammatory (plural inflammatories)

1. Any material that causes inflammation