C1 adverb Neutral

arsonist

/ˈɑːrsənɪst/

An arsonist is a person who intentionally and maliciously sets fire to buildings, wildland areas, or other property. This term is specifically used to describe the individual responsible for the criminal act of arson, often for insurance fraud, revenge, or psychological reasons.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The local police suspect that a serial arsonist is responsible for the recent fires in the abandoned district.

Local law enforcement believe a repeat fire-setter is behind the recent blazes in the empty area.

2

The defendant was formally charged as the arsonist who destroyed the historical landmark.

The person on trial was officially accused of being the individual who burnt down the historic building.

3

I heard the arsonist caught his own sleeve on fire while trying to run away.

I heard the person who started the fire accidentally burnt his own clothes while escaping.

Word Family

Noun
arsonist
Verb
commit arson
Adjective
arsonous
Related
arson
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Memory Tip

Focus on the root 'ars-' which comes from 'ardere' (to burn). Think of the word 'ardent' (burning with passion) to link the 'ars' sound to fire.

Quick Quiz

The forensic team collected evidence to help identify the ____ who ignited the forest.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arsonist

Examples

1

The local police suspect that a serial arsonist is responsible for the recent fires in the abandoned district.

everyday

Local law enforcement believe a repeat fire-setter is behind the recent blazes in the empty area.

2

The defendant was formally charged as the arsonist who destroyed the historical landmark.

formal

The person on trial was officially accused of being the individual who burnt down the historic building.

3

I heard the arsonist caught his own sleeve on fire while trying to run away.

informal

I heard the person who started the fire accidentally burnt his own clothes while escaping.

4

Psychological profiling of a convicted arsonist often reveals a complex history of behavioral issues.

academic

The mental analysis of a person guilty of arson frequently shows a background of many conduct problems.

5

The insurance firm conducted a secondary investigation to prove the warehouse owner was the arsonist.

business

The insurance company did another check to show the owner of the warehouse started the fire himself.

Word Family

Noun
arsonist
Verb
commit arson
Adjective
arsonous
Related
arson

Common Collocations

convicted arsonist A person legally found guilty of starting fires.
suspected arsonist A person thought to have started a fire but not yet proven guilty.
serial arsonist A person who sets multiple fires over a period of time.
arsonist's motive The reason why a person decided to set a fire.
unidentified arsonist A fire-setter whose identity remains unknown to the police.

Common Phrases

arsonist at large

An unidentified fire-setter who has not been caught yet.

to catch an arsonist red-handed

To find the person in the act of starting the fire.

arsonist for hire

A person paid by someone else to burn down property.

Often Confused With

arsonist vs pyromaniac

An arsonist is a criminal setting fires for a specific purpose (like profit), while a pyromaniac has a mental disorder involving an uncontrollable urge to set fires.

📝

Usage Notes

The term is strictly a noun referring to the person. It is used almost exclusively in legal or investigative contexts regarding criminal activity.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the word 'arsonist' to describe the fire itself; remember that 'arson' is the crime, and 'arsonist' is the person who commits it.

💡

Memory Tip

Focus on the root 'ars-' which comes from 'ardere' (to burn). Think of the word 'ardent' (burning with passion) to link the 'ars' sound to fire.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'arsoun', which stems from the Latin 'arsus', the past participle of 'ardere', meaning 'to burn'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: arsonists Commonly follows adjectives like 'alleged' or 'convicted'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western legal systems, arson is considered a violent felony because of its potential to cause mass casualties and significant economic damage.

Quick Quiz

The forensic team collected evidence to help identify the ____ who ignited the forest.

Correct!

The correct answer is: arsonist

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C1

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C1

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