ignite

[ig-nahyt]

verb (used with object)

ignited, igniting 

1. to set on fire; kindle.

2. Chemistry.,  to heat intensely; roast.

verb (used without object)

ignited, igniting 

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

Other Word Forms

• ignitable adjective
• ignitible adjective
• ignitability noun
• ignitibility noun
• nonignitability noun
• nonignitable adjective
• nonignitibility noun
• nonignitible adjective
• reignite verb (used with object)
• unignitable adjective
• unignited adjective
• unigniting 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

Stocks were mostly higher Tuesday, adding to a rally ignited halfway through Friday’s session as New York Fed President John Williams made a case for additional rate cuts, but still heading for a monthly loss.

Read more on MarketWatch

As Australia’s flu season was ending, “this new mutation came up, which kind of ignited flu in Japan and the U.K., and other parts of Europe and Asia,” Chin-Hong said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Last summer, a group of e-biking teens was captured on camera igniting fireworks in the middle of the crowded Hermosa Beach Pier.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Potential Fed rate cut in December could ignite a ‘risk-on’ flame — but just for a short time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Potential Fed rate cut in December could ignite a ‘risk-on’ flame — but just for a short time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• burn 
• inflame 
• kindle