Inflammatory refers to something that is likely to cause or exacerbate inflammation, which is a localized response to injury in which blood vessels dilate and become more permeable, allowing plasma proteins and white cells to enter the injured tissue. This results in redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Inflammatory language or rhetoric refers to speech that is designed to provoke anger or aggression, often with the goal of inciting people to take action against a common enemy or threat.