conflagration
/ˌkɒnfləˈɡɹeɪʃən/
Group 29Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- An extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property; a conflict or war GRE
Example in Context
The regional conflagration drew in neighboring states that had initially sought to remain neutral but were pulled in by the conflict's expanding scope.
Synonyms
big fireblazeinferno
Etymology
A big fire burning together, causing widespread destruction.
- con- (Latin) — together
- flagrare (Latin) — to burn
Memory Aid
🔥Sounds like “con flag rations”
A camp of scouts panicking as their 'CON FLAG RATIONS' goes up in flames during a wild bonfire!
Visual Association
🔥An enormous wildfire raging across the landscape, consuming everything in its path like a dragon breathing fire.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “conflagration” mean on the GRE?
conflagration (noun) means “An extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property; a conflict or war”. The regional conflagration drew in neighboring states that had initially sought to remain neutral but were pulled in by the conflict's expanding scope.
How to remember “conflagration” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “conflagration” sounds like “con flag rations”. A camp of scouts panicking as their 'CON FLAG RATIONS' goes up in flames during a wild bonfire!
What are synonyms for “conflagration”?
Common synonyms: big fire, blaze, inferno.