incinerate

USAGE SUMMARY

"incinerate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of burning something, usually so that it is turned to ashes. For example, "The city incinerated all of their medical waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He continues to send his leavings to Staley, treating the Ransom like "an incinerator that doesn't incinerate".

The New Yorker

As it turns out, countries with the highest rates of garbage incineration — Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, for example, all incinerate at least 50percentt of their waste — also tend to have high rates of recycling and composting of organic materials and food waste.

The Guardian

The bigger worry is that this week's pyrotechnics will incinerate wider efforts to stabilise a region full of dangerous rivalries.With its medieval economy and eccentric leader, the Hermit Kingdom often seems more tragi-comic than threatening.

The Economist

There are many like him who repress and oppress and incinerate, then smile for the camera, enjoying the limelight.

The Economist

One is Mr Engler's political machine, which fell into disrepute during the primary season when Mr Engler saw John McCain incinerate his "asbestos firewall" protecting Mr Bush.

The Economist

Cities increased their capacity to incinerate waste tenfold in the decade to 2013 (see chart), allowing the country to burn more than a quarter of its formally collected urban rubbish.

The Economist

As a solar storm approaches, the humans worry that Cutie will be unable to control the beam sending power to earth, causing it to fall on cities and incinerate them.

The Economist

A message on one's Facebook "Wall" from an old flame can incinerate a new relationship.

The Economist

If the pooch detects a foreign organism, such as plant matter or meat products, the Australian quarantine authorities confiscate and incinerate it.

The Economist

Today there are garbage plants throughout the city that incinerate what they can.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This thermal energy creates a large fireball, the heat of which can ignite ground fires that can incinerate an entire small city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incinerate", consider the context. It often implies a complete and thorough destruction by burning, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. For less intense burning, consider alternatives like "burn" or "scorch".

Common error

Avoid using "incinerate" when a simpler term like "burn" suffices. Overusing the word, especially in informal contexts, can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Choose your words based on the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incinerate" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of completely destroying something by burning. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "incinerate" is used to describe the burning of waste, bodies, or even figurative concepts like relationships or efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incinerate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that describes the thorough destruction of something by burning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The word is commonly found in neutral contexts such as news reports and encyclopedias, emphasizing the complete nature of destruction by fire. While related terms like "burn to ashes" or "completely burn" exist, "incinerate" often carries a stronger connotation of total obliteration. When writing, be mindful of the intensity implied by "incinerate" and select it when the context accurately reflects a complete and devastating burning process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burn to ashes

Emphasizes the complete destruction of something by fire, leaving only ashes.

reduce to ashes by fire

Highlights the action of fire transforming something into ashes.

completely burn

Focuses on the thoroughness of the burning process.

set ablaze and destroy

Indicates an intentional act of burning resulting in destruction.

consume by fire

Emphasizes the fire as the agent of consumption and destruction.

cremate

Specifically refers to burning a body to ashes, often in a respectful manner.

reduce to cinders

Implies burning to a state of blackened remnants.

destroy with fire

A general term indicating fire as the method of destruction.

vaporize

Implies converting something into vapor, often through extreme heat, broadening the scope beyond just burning.

obliterate by fire

Emphasizes the complete removal or destruction of something by fire.

FAQs

How is "incinerate" typically used in a sentence?

"Incinerate" is generally used to describe the complete destruction of something by fire, often reducing it to ashes. For example, "The waste management facility will "incinerate" the medical waste daily."

What words can I use instead of "incinerate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "burn to ashes", "completely burn", or "reduce to ashes".

Is it correct to use "incinerate" in a figurative sense?

Yes, "incinerate" can be used figuratively to describe the complete destruction of something, like a reputation or a plan. However, use caution as it can sound overly dramatic. Consider whether a less intense verb, like "destroy" or "ruin", might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "incinerate" and "burn"?

"Burn" is a more general term for subjecting something to fire. "Incinerate" implies a complete and thorough destruction by burning, often reducing the object to ashes. Therefore, while all incineration involves burning, not all burning results in incineration.