The mayor's refusal to engage with reporters has only inflamed an already heated controversy. By withholding routine information, his office has invited the very speculation it seems most eager to avoid.
As used in the text, what does the word "inflamed" most nearly mean?
- A
embarrassed
- Bcheck_circle
intensified
- C
made medically swollen
- D
set physically on fire
Explanation
The refusal worsens an already heated controversy, so "inflamed" means intensified or aggravated, not the literal-fire or medical senses.