Inflammatory describes something that provokes strong feelings, especially anger or hostility. When a politician makes inflammatory remarks about another candidate, those words are designed to stir up outrage rather than encourage thoughtful discussion. An inflammatory speech might use loaded language and accusations that make people angry instead of helping them understand an issue.

Similarly, inflammatory words or actions can cause a kind of social “swelling,” where emotions heat up and tensions rise.

You might hear someone say “let's not use inflammatory language” during a classroom debate that's getting too heated. They're asking everyone to choose words that explain their position without making others defensive or angry. The opposite would be measured or diplomatic language that helps people with different views talk productively.

In medicine, inflammatory also describes conditions involving physical inflammation, like inflammatory bowel disease. But in everyday conversation, it usually means something that provokes anger or conflict.