paljenje

Paljenje is a noun in several South Slavic languages (Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian) that denotes the act of lighting a fire or ignition. It can refer to the process of starting a flame, as in paljenje vatre (lighting a fire), the moment when a flame begins, or to the broader concept of ignition in mechanical or chemical contexts. The verb it derives from is paliti, meaning to burn or to light.

In legal terms, paljenje often relates to arson, the deliberate and unauthorized burning of property. Laws and penalties vary by country, but elements typically include intent to damage, burning or attempting to burn property, and causation of damage. There is also legitimate or permitted paljenje, such as campfires, grilling, or controlled burns, conducted under safety regulations to prevent harm or property damage.

Historically, fire ignition has been central to human civilization; the term paljenje captures both everyday acts of lighting a fire and more serious acts when done maliciously. In modern usage, it remains common in domestic, industrial, and legal contexts.