arsons
|ar-son(s)|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈɑɹsənz/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːs(ə)nz/
(arson)
deliberate fire-setting
Etymology
Etymology Information
'arson' originates from Anglo-Norman (Old French), specifically the word 'arsoun', ultimately from Latin 'ardēre', where 'ard-' meant 'to burn'.
Historical Evolution
'arson' changed from Anglo-Norman 'arsoun' and Old French 'arsion' into Middle English 'arsoun' and eventually became the modern English word 'arson'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the act of burning', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'arson': deliberate and criminal setting of fire to property.
Police investigated three arsons in the neighborhood last month.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/21 10:20