What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
arson
Example
The police arrested the suspect for committing arson. [arson: noun]
Example
He was charged with arson after setting fire to his neighbor's house. [arson: noun]
pyromania
Example
The psychiatrist diagnosed him with pyromania due to his uncontrollable urge to start fires. [pyromania: noun]
Example
Pyromania is a rare disorder that requires professional treatment. [pyromania: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arson is a more commonly used term in legal and law enforcement contexts, as it refers to a specific criminal act. Pyromania, on the other hand, is a less common term used primarily in psychological or psychiatric discussions, as it describes a specific psychological disorder.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between arson and pyromania?
Both arson and pyromania are formal terms, as they are used in professional and technical contexts. However, arson is more commonly encountered in everyday language and news reports, while pyromania is more specialized and primarily used in psychological or psychiatric discussions.
