flash point
noun
1
: the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame
2
: a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being
Examples of flash point in a Sentence
The city became a flash point as political tensions grew.
The situation reached a flash point when union leaders urged the workers to protest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Beijing and Washington are contesting global economic and political leadership, and there are multiple flash points between them.
—
Andrew Byers, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2024
The story might well have pivoted here and become something else—what is the flash point for displaying ugly behavior?
—Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
The state becomes the latest where Republican legislators have restricted DEI programs, amid a broader conservative effort to limit what is taught in schools and make diversity programs a flash point in the nation’s political debate.
—Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 29 June 2024
One flash point has been the requirement for job applicants at selective universities to provide a diversity statement, which critics compare to an ideological loyalty pledge.
—Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for flash point 
Andrew Byers, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2024
The story might well have pivoted here and become something else—what is the flash point for displaying ugly behavior?
—Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024
The state becomes the latest where Republican legislators have restricted DEI programs, amid a broader conservative effort to limit what is taught in schools and make diversity programs a flash point in the nation’s political debate.
—Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 29 June 2024
One flash point has been the requirement for job applicants at selective universities to provide a diversity statement, which critics compare to an ideological loyalty pledge.
—Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for flash point
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flash point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near flash point
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20point. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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