definitions

ignite

[ ig-nahyt ]
/ ɪgˈnaɪt /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ignite ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

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

verb (used without object), ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

to take fire; begin to burn.

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RELATED WORDS

kindle, burn, inflame, fire, light, enkindle

Nearby words

igneous rock, ignescent, ignimbrite, ignipuncture, ignis fatuus, ignite, igniter, ignition, ignition coil, ignition interlock, ignition key

Origin of ignite

1660–70; < Latin ignītus (past participle of ignīre to set on fire, ignite), equivalent to ign(is) fire + -ītus -ite2

Related forms

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ignite

British Dictionary definitions for ignite

ignite

/ (ɪɡˈnaɪt) /

verb

to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn
(tr) chem to heat strongly
(tr) to stimulate or provokethe case has ignited a nationwide debate

Derived Forms

ignitable or ignitible, adjectiveignitability or ignitibility, noun

Word Origin for ignite

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