The politician's remarks only inflamed an already dangerous situation.
What is the meaning of the word "inflamed" in the sentence above?

Question

The politician's remarks only inflamed an already dangerous situation.
What is the meaning of the word "inflamed" in the sentence above?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the context of the sentence, where it says "an already dangerous situation," we can infer that whatever is happening is not making things better, but worse. If you enflame a situation, you make it worse by making people angry or more excited.
Enlarged is incorrect. When placed in the target sentence, the word "enlarge" does not make sense.
Made warmer is incorrect. When placed in the target sentence, the words "make warmer" do not make sense.
Made happier is incorrect. When placed in the target sentence, the words "make happier" do not make sense.

The Politician's Remarks Only Inflamed an Already Dangerous Situation