Langimage
English

arson

|ar/son|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈɑːr.sən/

🇬🇧

/ˈɑː.sən/

deliberate fire-setting

Etymology
Etymology Information

'arson' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arsion', where 'ars-' meant 'to burn'.

Historical Evolution

'arsion' transformed into the Middle English word 'arsoun', and eventually became the modern English word 'arson'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to burn', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'deliberately setting fire to property'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

The fire department suspected arson as the cause of the blaze.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/23 06:21