flash point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (technical), Semi-formal (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “flash point” mean?
The temperature at which a flammable liquid produces enough vapour to ignite in air when exposed to a source of ignition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The temperature at which a flammable liquid produces enough vapour to ignite in air when exposed to a source of ignition.
A point, situation, or issue that causes sudden, intense conflict or violence to erupt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'flash point' as standard spelling. In American English, the hyphenated 'flashpoint' is also very common. In British English, 'flash point' (two words) is more standard in technical texts, though 'flashpoint' is used figuratively.
Connotations
Same core meanings. The figurative use is common in political and social commentary in both varieties.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English in the figurative sense, especially in journalism. Technical sense is equally common in scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “flash point” in a Sentence
Flash point for + (issue/conflict)Flash point between + (parties)Flash point over + (disputed matter)Flash point of + (liquid/material)Reach/become a flash pointVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flash point” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protest flashpointed after the police intervention.
- Their relationship was constantly flashpointing over trivial matters.
American English
- The debate flashpointed into a shouting match.
- That region has flashpointed several times in the last decade.
adverb
British English
- The situation developed flashpoint-quickly.
- (Usage as adverb is highly atypical and not standard)
American English
- Tensions rose flashpoint-fast.
- (Usage as adverb is highly atypical and not standard)
adjective
British English
- The border town is a flash-point region.
- They discussed the flash-point issue cautiously.
American English
- The flashpoint issue dominated the headlines.
- He was assigned to several flashpoint territories.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a specific issue (e.g., a pay dispute, a failed merger) that triggers a major crisis or industrial action.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology to analyse the origins of conflicts and revolutions.
Everyday
Used to describe a topic of argument (e.g., politics at dinner) or a situation that could suddenly turn nasty.
Technical
A precisely defined chemical property (ASTM D92, ISO 2719) crucial for safety in handling fuels and solvents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flash point”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flash point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flash point”
- Confusing 'flash point' with 'boiling point' (the latter is about anger, the former about sudden ignition).
- Using it to mean 'highlight' or 'climax' (e.g., 'The flash point of the film was...').
- Misspelling as 'flashpoint' in formal technical writing where 'flash point' is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable vapour mixture *near* its surface. Ignition temperature (autoignition temperature) is the much higher temperature at which a substance will spontaneously ignite *without* an external spark or flame.
In general figurative use, yes, 'flashpoint' is very common. In formal scientific and safety documentation, the two-word 'flash point' is the prescribed standard spelling (e.g., in ASTM standards).
No, it's considered standard in semi-formal and formal contexts like journalism, academia, and political analysis. It is not slang.
Gasoline (petrol) has a very low flash point of around -43°C (-45°F), making it extremely flammable. Diesel fuel has a higher flash point, typically between 52°C and 96°C (126°F–205°F).
The temperature at which a flammable liquid produces enough vapour to ignite in air when exposed to a source of ignition.
Flash point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃ pɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃ pɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A powder keg waiting for a flash point.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'flash' of light (the ignition) at a specific 'point' (the temperature or the issue). Just as a spark ignites vapour at the flash point, a comment can ignite an argument at a conversational flash point.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT IS FIRE / A PROBLEM IS A VOLATILE SUBSTANCE. Tensions 'build up', a situation 'heats up', an issue 'ignites' violence, leading to an 'outbreak' or 'eruption'.
Practice
Quiz
In a technical safety context, 'flash point' primarily refers to: