Definition
纵火 is a formal separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to commit arson' or 'to set a fire.' The two syllables can be separated by aspect markers (纵了火, 纵过一次火) or measure words (纵了几次火). It is commonly used in legal and news contexts. Note that 纵火 cannot take a direct object; instead you say 对…纵火 or 纵火焚烧….
v.o.
to commit arsonto set fire (to something)
Examples
- ，。Tā zòng guò yí cì huǒ, bèi pàn le sān nián.He set a fire once and was sentenced to three years.
- 纵火。Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá zhè qǐ zòng huǒ àn.The police are investigating this arson case.
- 纵火。Tā yīnwèi zòng huǒ bèi zhuā jìn le jiānyù.He was sent to prison for arson.
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