inferno

word

Definition

An extremely large and dangerous fire, or a place or situation that is full of destruction, chaos, and intense heat, often compared to hell.

Usage & Nuances

Usually formal or literary. In everyday speech, used for dramatic effect to describe intense fires or chaotic, hellish scenes—'an inferno of flames', 'the battlefield was an inferno'. Not used for small fires or mild problems.

Example Sentences

Reporters described the war zone as a living inferno.

natural

The entire building was swallowed by the inferno.

basic

Firefighters battled the raging inferno for hours.

basic

The forest turned into an inferno after the lightning strike.

basic

The party turned into an inferno of noise and dancing by midnight.

natural

It was like walking through an inferno during the heatwave.

natural