Synonyms

ignite

American

[ig-nahyt] / ɪgˈnaɪt /

verb (used with object)

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

verb (used without object)

to take fire; begin to burn.

ignite British

/ ɪɡˈnaɪt /

verb

to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn
(tr) chem to heat strongly
(tr) to stimulate or provoke

the case has ignited a nationwide debate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See kindle ¹.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of ignite

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

Explanation

Ignite is a verb that means to start heat or a flame. Trying to ignite a match inside a dark fireworks factory is a really bad idea — one that can get you blown sky high. The literal definition of ignite is to cause something to catch fire or burn. Dousing a house in gasoline and putting a lit match to the front door will surely cause the home to ignite. In its more figurative sense, ignite means to inspire intense feelings. A passionate kiss can ignite a fiery romance and a controversial speech can ignite fierce anger.

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Vocabulary lists containing ignite

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

ignite ignites ignited igniting

By far the biggest blast from the past comes when you turn said keyfob and ignite the turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

A previous attempt at launch was abruptly scrubbed just as the booster began to ignite, in an automatic stoppage that occurred after some engines did not start.

From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026

If tunnelling releases it into a confined space and it comes into contact with a spark or another ignition source, it can ignite or explode, a government official said.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The coalition is urging Newsom and lawmakers to do more to hold utilities accountable for the fires they ignite, so they don’t happen again.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

If Robbie could make it to that window and have a few seconds of safety to touch the mural, he could ignite the whole thing with spirit.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

What drives societal ills or ignites a social movement?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

Shin may be trying to remove fuel before the room ignites on its own.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 4, 2026

Fire Administration, potentially leading to a process known as thermal runaway, in which the battery ignites through a self-sustaining chemical reaction that is impossible to stop until it runs out on its own.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 6, 2026

"They need to see we are just normal people. People just need more of that, the more of that the better - that ignites the change."

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

Then he ignites the candle with the bright orange flame.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

It was around 1:40 a.m. on a summer Saturday last month when Alcaraz’s cell ignited into an inferno.

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

A brush fire that ignited in Gorman on Friday afternoon has jumped over the 5 Freeway, prompting evacuation orders, lane closures and heavy traffic delays through the Grapevine.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Now she’s ignited a debate: Is commenting on people’s bodies harmful, or does silence normalize extreme thinness?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Similar packages then ignited in the UK and Poland, causing extensive damage.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

A candle ignited beneath Aunt Sera's face, casting an orange glow over her brown skin.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

“The tinderbox looks increasingly close to igniting in full force.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 19, 2026

The railroads brought settlers pouring into America’s interior, igniting conflict with Native American tribes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

In China, too, the "trend toward health-consciousness especially among the middle and upper-income classes" is igniting interest in Japanese foods, the Japan External Trade Organisation said in a recent report.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

The 29 May incident began when Dong "failed to slow for traffic" on Interstate 95 and hit a Chevrolet Suburban that plowed into other cars, igniting one on fire.

From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026

Klenam and Mawuli lit theirs from mine, the two igniting at the same time.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023