accelerant
fire starter / catalyst / stimulant
Noun
pl: accelerants
In forensic and legal contexts, this term specifically refers to flammable liquids like gasoline or kerosene used to intentionally ignite a fire. It carries a strong connotation of criminality and arson, shifting the focus from the fire itself to the means used to start it. When used in a social or political context, the word describes a catalyst that transforms a slow progression into a rapid surge. It suggests an external force that pushes an existing trend toward a breaking point or a sudden conclusion.