Incinerate

To incinerate means to destroy something, typically waste material, by burning it. This process reduces the object to ashes, gases, and non-combustible residues. Incineration is often used to dispose of refuse, hazardous materials, and sometimes even sensitive documents. The high temperatures involved in incineration typically eliminate pathogens and reduce the volume of waste significantly. Modern incinerators often include systems to capture and filter emissions, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The term can also be used figuratively to describe the complete destruction or annihilation of something, like a feeling or an idea, in a fiery or intense manner.

Incinerate meaning with examples

• The city council decided to incinerate the accumulated medical waste to prevent the spread of diseases, ensuring the hospital complied with all safety protocols. This decision required special permits due to potential air pollution, therefore the incinerator's emissions were meticulously monitored and controlled during the process, keeping environmental standards.
• After the fire, the homeowner had to incinerate everything, leaving no trace of what remained of the structure. The inferno meant that all memories and belongings were lost, and any possible sentimental items could never be recovered because of the massive flames engulfing the home. This process was emotionally devastating.
• The company chose to incinerate all obsolete financial records instead of storing them, saving a great amount of space in the company's records. This decision ensured that confidential data remained secure, following compliance for the retention policies within all legal guidelines, avoiding potential legal repercussions.
• The magician dramatically announced he would incinerate the playing card in a grand display of pyrotechnics, showcasing his skill and his showmanship to the spellbound audience. The card turned to ash through the flames. This was a trick.
• Facing an overwhelming enemy, the general ordered the scorched-earth strategy, to incinerate the bridges and supplies rather than allow them to fall into enemy hands. This was to cripple any forward momentum, which was to delay their advance, in a final desperate bid for survival.