inflamed
UK[ɪnˈfleɪmd]US[ɪnˈfleɪmd]
adj
(of a part of the body) red, swollen, and painful or hot, often because of infection or injury.
adj
(of strong feelings) made more intense; provoked or intensified.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
flame
ed
in
flame
ed
Etymology
the word 'inflamed' originates from the latin verb 'inflammare', which is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'into, upon') and the root 'flamma' (meaning 'flame'). this literal sense of 'setting on fire' was carried through old french 'enflammer' into middle english. over time, the meaning extended metaphorically from the physical process of combustion to describe both the physiological response of bodily tissues (becoming hot, red, and swollen as if on fire) and the intensification of emotions (such as anger or passion). the '-ed' suffix marks its adjectival form, describing the resultant state of having been set ablaze, either literally or figuratively.
Analysis
Structure: in + flame + ed
- in (latin): a prefix meaning 'into, in, on, upon'. here, it functions as an intensifier.
- flame (latin via old french): the root meaning 'flame, fire'. it functions as the core semantic element.
- ed (old english): a suffix used to form adjectives from verbs or nouns, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the cut on her finger became red and inflamed.
his inflammatory remarks only served to further inflame the tensions in the room.
she applied a cream to soothe the inflamed skin.