Flashpoint

Alternative forms

Origin

en + flash + point

Full definition of flashpoint

Noun

1. The lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid.
2. (figuratively) A hotspot; a dangerous place of violent political unrest
3. A time and place when violence or conflict suddenly arises.
• March 14, 2017, Stuart James, Leicester stun Sevilla to reach last eight after Kasper Schmeichel save, Chances came and went at both ends before the flashpoint involving Vardy and Nasri, who took an age to leave the pitch after Daniele Orsato, the Italian referee, brandished a red card.

Synonyms

• (figurative sense) hotspot, troublespot