põletama

Põletama is an Estonian verb meaning to burn, to set on fire, or to ignite. It denotes the act of burning a material or object and can also be used metaphorically to describe inflaming passions or intensifying processes. The verb is typically transitive, taking a direct object when something is burned, but it also has an intransitive use when the subject itself is on fire.

In present usage, the verb follows regular Estonian conjugation patterns. A common intransitive example is Küünal põleb, meaning the candle is burning. The infinitive form is pôletama, and the related participles create words such as põletatud (burned).

Derivatives and related terms include põletus, meaning a burn or burn injury, and põletamine, meaning the act of burning. The verb также connects to broader medical and physical contexts, including descriptions of combustion, heat, and fire-related harm.

Etymology and cognates: põletama is of Finnic origin and has cognates in other Finnic languages. It is related to Finnish polttaa, which also means to burn, reflecting shared roots in the Proto-Finnic language family. The term is a core part of everyday vocabulary in describing fire, heat, and related processes.

See also: põletus (burn/injury), põletamine (the act of burning).