Arsonist
/ˈɑːrsənɪst/
nounB2
Definition
An arsonist is someone who sets fire on purpose. This means they start a fire not by accident, but because they want to cause harm or destruction. Usually, arsonists burn houses, cars, or other buildings.
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⚡ See It in Action
A person who intentionally sets fire to property
- •The police caught the arsonist who burned down the old factory.
- •Arsonists can cause serious damage and danger to people.
- •Detectives investigate to find the arsonist after a fire.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "arsonist" like "fire starter," but with a bad meaning because it is illegal and harmful.
- ✓Picture a person lighting a match near a building with the intention to burn it down.
- ✓It’s the feeling of danger and fear when you hear about someone who starts fires on purpose.
- ✓Sounds like "AR-sun-ist" → imagine the sun being very hot and someone using that heat to start a fire.
- ✓In stories or movies, an arsonist is often a character who causes trouble by burning things.
- ✓NOT like "campfire" (a safe, controlled fire), an arsonist’s fire is dangerous and meant to destroy.
- ✓NOT like "accident" fires, arsonist fires are started by choice and plan.
- ✓NOT like "firefighter" who stops fires, an arsonist causes them.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Incendiary: a person who deliberately starts fires (Use in formal or technical contexts)
- •Firebug: informal word for someone who starts fires (Use in casual speech)
- •Pyromaniac: a person with a strong desire to start fires (Use when the fire setting is a psychological problem, not just a crime)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "arson" (the crime of setting fire) + "-ist" (a person who does something)
- •Etymology: "Arson" comes from Old French "arsion," meaning burning; "-ist" is a common English suffix for people who do an action
- •Historical development: The word "arson" has been used since the 14th century to mean illegal fire-setting; "arsonist" appeared later to name the person who commits arson
- •Modern usage: Used in law, police reports, and everyday speech to describe someone who purposely sets fires to harm or damage
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people become arsonists? What reasons might they have?
•How does knowing the word "arsonist" help you understand news stories about fires?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The arsonist started the fire ___ to cause damage to the building.
2.Police work hard to find the arsonist because the fire was not an ___ accident.
3.Unlike a firefighter, an arsonist ___ fires instead of putting them out.
4.The arsonist was caught after witnesses saw someone ___ near the fire.
5.Sometimes, an arsonist acts alone, but other times they ___ with others.
6.The community felt scared because the arsonist set fires ___ in the neighborhood.
7.When people talk about an arsonist, they usually mean someone who starts fires ___ on purpose.