A large, destructive fire; can also refer metaphorically to any widespread conflict or upheaval.
From Latin 'conflagrare,' meaning 'to burn up,' combining 'con-' (completely) and 'flagrare' (to burn). The word entered English in the 16th century, initially referring only to literal fires but later extending to describe metaphorical 'burning' conflicts.
Think of conflagration as a 'con-flag-ration'—like a conference of flags all burning together! The 'flagr-' root appears in 'flagrant' too—both involve something blazing out of control. It's not just any fire, but a massive, consuming blaze.
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