flame-thrower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, military, figurative
Quick answer
What does “flame-thrower” mean?
A portable weapon that projects a stream of burning liquid fuel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable weapon that projects a stream of burning liquid fuel.
Any device or tool that projects a controlled jet of fire; metaphorically, a person who speaks with intense anger or criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphenated form 'flame-thrower' is more common in UK English; 'flamethrower' (one word) is standard in US English.
Connotations
Identical strong military/aggressive connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; higher in military/technical contexts. The one-word form is increasingly common globally.
Grammar
How to Use “flame-thrower” in a Sentence
[Subject] + operate/use/carry + a flame-thrower[Subject] + be + armed with + a flame-throwerThe flame-thrower + emit/project + flamesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flame-thrower” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit was trained to flame-throw the enemy bunkers.
- They decided to flame-throw the contaminated foliage.
American English
- The soldiers were ordered to flamethrow the entrenched position.
- The crew will flamethrow the invasive weeds.
adjective
British English
- He underwent flame-thrower training.
- The flame-thrower operator advanced cautiously.
American English
- The flamethrower team provided support.
- It was a flamethrower attack.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in metaphorical sense: 'The CEO was a financial flame-thrower, incinerating inefficient budgets.'
Academic
Rare, except in military history or engineering contexts.
Everyday
Very rare in literal sense. Figurative use is possible but dramatic.
Technical
Standard term in military science, weapons engineering, and historical military discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flame-thrower”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flame-thrower”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flame-thrower”
- Misspelling as 'flame thrower' (open compound) or 'flamthrower'. Using it figuratively in inappropriate, lighthearted contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern dictionaries list it as one word, especially in American English. The hyphenated form 'flame-thrower' is an older, still accepted variant, particularly in British English.
Yes, but it is rare and highly technical/military. It means to attack or treat something with a flame-thrower.
A flame-thrower is a weapon designed to project a continuing stream of fire over a distance. A blowtorch is a tool for applying a localised, intense flame for tasks like welding or soldering.
No, it is a dramatic and relatively uncommon metaphor. It is used for emphasis to describe someone who delivers intensely aggressive or destructive criticism.
A portable weapon that projects a stream of burning liquid fuel.
Flame-thrower is usually technical, military, figurative in register.
Flame-thrower: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪmˌθrəʊ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪmˌθroʊ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A verbal flame-thrower (someone who speaks with scathing criticism)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tool that THROWS FLAME. It's a thrower of flame.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/CRITICISM IS FIRE; A PERSON IS A WEAPON.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'flame-thrower' LEAST likely to be used literally?