tinderbox

/ˈtɪndərbɒks/

Definitions

1. noun

A container filled with a highly flammable material, used to ignite fires, and often used figuratively to describe a situation or place where conflict or violence is likely to occur.

“The city had become a tinderbox of racial tensions and protests.”

Synonyms

  • hotbed
  • powder keg

Antonyms

  • calmness
  • pacification