ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt 

ignited; igniting

transitive verb

1

a

: to set afire

also : kindle

b

: to cause (a fuel) to burn

2

: to subject to fire or intense heat

especially : to render luminous by heat

3

a

: to heat up : excite

oppression that ignited the hatred of the people

b

: to set in motion : spark

ignite a debate

intransitive verb

1

: to catch fire

2

: to begin to glow

ignitability

ig-ˌnī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

ignitable adjective

or less commonly ignitible

ig-ˈnī-tə-bəl 

igniter noun

or less commonly ignitor

ig-ˈnī-tər 

Synonyms

• burn
• enkindle
• fire
• inflame
• enflame
• kindle
• light
• torch

Examples of ignite in a Sentence

The fire was ignited by sparks.

The paper ignited on contact with sparks.

a material that ignites easily

Three wins in a row ignited the team.

His proposal is igniting opposition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mangione's arrest ignited widespread interest online, with users diving deep into his digital footprint. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

The platform many trusted to empower everyday investors appeared to side with institutional players, shattering confidence and igniting backlash. —Dean Debiase, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

As Venus shakes things up in your 11th house of friendships and group dynamics, and Mars retrograde ignites your fifth house of self-expression, expect some unexpected drama in your social circle. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

At around the time the fire ignited, there were gusts of up to 65 mph reported. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin ignitus, past participle of ignire to ignite, from ignis

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing ignite

• self-ignite

Kids Definition

ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt 

ignited; igniting

1

a

: to set on fire : light

b

: to cause (a fuel mixture) to burn

2

: to catch fire

3

: to set in motion : spark

ignite a debate

ignitable

-ˈnīt-ə-bəl

adjective

igniter noun

also ignitor

-ˈnīt-ər