ignite

[ ig-nahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

1. to set on fire; kindle.
2. Chemistry. to heat intensely; roast.

verb (used without object)

, ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

1. to take fire; begin to burn.

ignite

/ ɪɡˈnaɪt /

verb

1. to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn
2. tr chem to heat strongly
3. tr to stimulate or provoke

   the case has ignited a nationwide debate

Derived Forms

• igˈnitable, adjective
• igˌnitaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• ig·nita·ble ig·niti·ble adjective
• ig·nita·bili·ty ig·niti·bili·ty noun
• nonig·nita·bili·ty noun
• nonig·nita·ble adjective
• nonig·niti·bili·ty noun
• nonig·niti·ble adjective
• reig·nite verb (used with object) reignited reigniting
• unig·nita·ble adjective
• unig·nited adjective
• unig·niting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignite¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin ignītus “set on fire,” past participle of ignīre “to set on fire,” from ign(is) “fire” + -īre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignite¹

C17: from Latin ignīre to set alight, from ignis fire

Synonym Study

See kindle ¹.

Example Sentences

When they land, they risk igniting new spot fires, which can quickly devour homes.

From Los Angeles Times

I quickly discovered I was pretty good at it, which kind of ignited my enjoyment and satisfaction I gained through cooking.

From Salon

"Also, the east/west coast beef was mainly ignited by jealousy. It was an ashtray fire fanned into a big deal by media outlets that led to Biggie and Tupac getting killed."

From BBC

In yet another directorial gambit, Gold’s “Romeo + Juliet” looks, sounds and no doubt smells like teen spirit in a production determined to ignite a new generation’s love affair with the play.

From Los Angeles Times

Right now, the agency manages some naturally ignited fires rather than immediately extinguishing them so that the flames can achieve ecological benefits like consuming excess vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burn
• flare up
• inflame
• kindle