Conflagration
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of property and often spreads rapidly.
nounConflagration
A large, destructive fire that destroys a great deal of property and often spreads rapidly.
nounImagine This
Imagine a dry, windy day in a town where sparks leap from roof to roof. Flames race across the skyline, consuming houses and trees as firefighters sprint toward the blaze.
Sounds Like
kon-fluh-GRAY-shuhn
Looks Like
Looks like conflagrate, the verb form meaning to set on fire; shares the root flagra- 'to burn'.
Remember This
Conflagration emphasizes breadth and scale—a fire that consumes a wide area. Etymology traces to Latin conflagrare 'to burn up' (con- 'together' + flagrare 'to burn').
Other Forms
Connect With
blaze, inferno, firestorm, wildfire, destruction
Note
Use for very large fires that spread across areas or communities. Do not use for small fires; distinguish from conflagrate (the verb to set on fire).