The verb "incinerar" refers to the process of burning something completely, usually referring to the disposal of waste or the cremation of bodies. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in legal, medical, or environmental discussions. The term is relatively formal, making it more common in written contexts, such as scientific documents, articles, and discussions regarding waste management or funeral practices.
El gobierno decidió incinerar los residuos tóxicos en lugar de enviarlos a un vertedero.
(The government decided to incinerate the toxic waste instead of sending it to a landfill.)
Después de la ceremonia, sus cenizas fueron incineradas y esparcidas en el mar.
(After the ceremony, his ashes were incinerated and scattered in the sea.)
La planta de reciclaje incinerará los materiales que no se pueden reutilizar.
(The recycling plant will incinerate materials that cannot be reused.)
Though "incinerar" itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it can be used in related contexts. Below are some expressions that incorporate concepts of burning or destruction, which may indirectly relate back to the core meaning of "incinerar":
"Dejar en cenizas" (To leave in ashes)
La tormenta dejó en cenizas todo lo que había a su paso.
(The storm left everything in ashes in its path.)
"Echar leña al fuego" (To add fuel to the fire)
No hables de política en la reunión, solo echarás leña al fuego.
(Don’t talk about politics at the meeting, you’ll just add fuel to the fire.)
"Arder en deseos" (To burn with desire)
Ella arde en deseos de viajar por el mundo.
(She burns with the desire to travel the world.)
"Cruzarse con fuego" (To cross paths with fire)
Al entrar en esa discusión política, te estás cruzando con fuego.
(By entering that political discussion, you're crossing paths with fire.)
"Correr como pólvora" (To spread like wildfire)
Los rumores de su renuncia corrieron como pólvora por la oficina.
(The rumors of his resignation spread like wildfire throughout the office.)
The word "incinerar" comes from the Latin "incinerare," where "in-" is a prefix and "cinis" means ashes. The root "cinis" has led to a variety of terms in various languages that deal with burning or ashes.
By understanding "incinerar," you gain insight not only into its direct meaning and usage but also into cultural contexts related to burning and disposal in the Spanish language.