incendiar
“incendiar” means “to set on fire” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to set on fire
Also: to ignite
📝 In Action
Alguien intentó incendiar el almacén abandonado.
B1Someone tried to set the abandoned warehouse on fire.
Un rayo puede incendiar un bosque entero en pocos minutos.
B1Lightning can set an entire forest on fire in a few minutes.
Tengan cuidado con las velas para no incendiar las cortinas.
A2Be careful with the candles so you don't set the curtains on fire.
to stir up
Also: to inflame
📝 In Action
Sus declaraciones incendiaron las redes sociales.
B2His statements set social media on fire.
El discurso del candidato incendió a la multitud.
C1The candidate's speech fired up the crowd.
No publiques eso si no quieres incendiar el debate.
B2Don't post that if you don't want to inflame the debate.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: incendiar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a protest that got very angry and controversial?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'incendiare', which comes from 'incendium' (a fire), which in turn comes from 'incendere' (to set fire to).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'incendiar' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar. Even though it has an 'i' near the end, the endings stay regular (incendio, incendias, etc.).
What is the difference between 'incendiar' and 'quemar'?
'Quemar' is the general word for 'to burn.' 'Incendiar' is more specific and usually refers to setting something large or significant on fire, often implying a disaster or a deliberate act.
Can I use 'incendiar' for people?
Only figuratively! You can 'incendiar a una multitud' (fire up a crowd), but you shouldn't use it to mean 'firing' someone from a job—that is 'despedir'.