incinerate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/
KK: /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To burn something completely until it turns to ash.
Example
The waste was incinerated to reduce its volume.
Tense Forms
Past: incinerated
Past Participle: incinerated
Conversation
Did you hear about that fire last night?
Yeah, it was crazy! They said it could incinerate everything in its path.
That's terrifying! I hope no one got hurt.
Same here. Fires can be so unpredictable.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
burn
scorch
consume
Antonyms
preserve
save
protect
transitive verb
Definition
To cause something to burn completely until it turns to ash.
Example
The factory incinerates waste materials to reduce pollution.
Tense Forms
Past: incinerated
Past Participle: incinerated
Conversation
Have you ever seen how they incinerate old documents at the office?
Yeah, it's pretty interesting to watch!
I didn't realize they used such a high-tech machine to incinerate everything.
Root Explanation
Incinerate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "caenum" (from Latin "caenum", meaning ash or refuse). The word describes the act of turning something into ash by burning it.
Memory Tip
Think of turning something 'into' ('in-') 'ash' ('caenum') — that's why incinerate means to burn something to ashes.
Visually Confused Words
itinerate
innervate
pinninervate
uninervate
intenerate
ingenerate