combust: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “combust” mean?
to catch fire and burn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to catch fire and burn; to undergo combustion
to become very angry or agitated; to be consumed by strong emotion
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more likely to be found in formal British technical writing.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of scientific/technical processes or intense, uncontrolled reactions.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but the adjective 'combustible' is common. The verb is rare in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “combust” in a Sentence
[Subject] combusts[Subject] combusts [Adverbial (e.g., spontaneously)][Agent] causes [Object] to combustVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “combust” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The oily rags could spontaneously combust in the warm shed.
- He seemed to combust with indignation at the mere suggestion.
American English
- This fuel will combust at a lower temperature than diesel.
- The debate caused the online forum to combust with angry comments.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb 'combustibly' is virtually non-existent and not standard.)
American English
- N/A (The adverb 'combustibly' is virtually non-existent and not standard.)
adjective
British English
- The material was highly combustible and required special storage.
- The political situation became increasingly combustible.
American English
- We need to label all combustible liquids clearly.
- His combustible temper was well known in the office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in risk assessments for flammable materials.
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, and engineering texts describing oxidation reactions.
Everyday
Very rare. 'Burn' is used instead. The metaphorical emotional use is occasionally heard.
Technical
Standard term in scientific contexts to describe a substance reacting with oxygen, releasing heat and light.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “combust”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “combust”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “combust”
- Using 'combust' as a casual synonym for 'burn' (e.g., 'I combusted the toast').
- Misspelling as 'combust' (correct) vs. 'combust' (incorrect).
- Using the adjective form 'combustible' when the verb is needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the verb 'combust' is relatively rare in everyday English. The adjective 'combustible' is much more common.
'Burn' is the general, everyday word. 'Combust' is more technical, formal, and often implies a specific chemical process (combustion).
Yes, but only metaphorically to mean 'become very angry or excited' (e.g., 'He combusted with rage'). This is a figurative use.
It refers to the alleged phenomenon of a body suddenly catching fire without an apparent external source of ignition. It is often used in mysteries or scientific discussions.
to catch fire and burn.
Combust is usually formal, technical in register.
Combust: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈbʌst/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈbʌst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spontaneous combustion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMet that BUSTs into flames as it enters the atmosphere = COM-BUST.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS FIRE / EMOTION IS A FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'He combusted with rage').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'combust' most appropriately used?