flagrant [LME] Early senses of flagrant with meanings such as ‘glorious’ and ‘blazing’ were positive. The word comes from the Latin word flagrare ‘to blaze’, as in conflagration [LME], and is recorded from the late 15th century. Flamboyant [M19th], originally a term for a style of architecture and flame [ME] itself go back to the same root. To flame or rant on social media dates from the 1980s, although the sense ‘to burn with fury or indignation’ is mid 16th century. See also latin words.