Sort of thing to inflame a viewer? (4)
I believe the answer is:
stye
'sort of thing' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stye that I've seen before include "Eye sore" , "Eyelid infection" , "Inflammation around the eye" , "irritation to the viewer" , "Eyelid sore" .)