A flashpoint is the moment at which a conflict, especially a political conflict, suddenly gets worse and becomes violent.
The immediate flashpoint was Wednesday's big rally in the city centre.
There are still plenty of potential flashpoints in relations between the two countries.
2. countable noun
A flashpoint is a place which people think is dangerous because political trouble may start there and then spread to other towns or countries.
The more serious flashpoints are outside the capital.
It could become the next Balkan flashpoint.
flashpoint in British English
(ˈflæʃpɔɪnt) or flashing point
noun
1.
the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air
2.
a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence
the political mood has reached flashpoint
Examples of 'flashpoint' in a sentence
flashpoint
The avoidance of formal organisational changes has also avoided a political flashpoint.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The fixture list had been arranged to keep matches with potential flashpoints away from the ground until December, but the cup draw has changed all that.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And the next flashpoint will inevitably be over environmental issues.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This is one of the reasons the case has become such a flashpoint.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Oil prices are a political flashpoint because they feed through to petrol and diesel prices at the pumps.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Another potential flashpoint is approaching.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Another flashpoint is deleting a partner's programmes to make room for one's own.