ignite
Americanverb (used with object)
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to set on fire; kindle.
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Chemistry. to heat intensely; roast.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn
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(tr) chem to heat strongly
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(tr) to stimulate or provoke
the case has ignited a nationwide debate
Related Words
See kindle 1.
Other Word Forms
- ignitability noun
- ignitable adjective
- ignitibility noun
- ignitible adjective
- nonignitability noun
- nonignitable adjective
- nonignitibility noun
- nonignitible adjective
- reignite verb (used with object)
- unignitable adjective
- unignited adjective
- unigniting adjective
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.
Vocabulary lists containing ignite
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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Elements of the Universe: Ign, Igni ("Fire")
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Chains
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The move also reflects confidence that rising energy prices won’t ignite a broader price spiral.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
Those launches helped ignite strong interest in the category among Chinese consumers.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
In these regions, practices such as draining peatlands for agriculture, clearing forests, and converting land for development have made peat soils far more likely to ignite.
From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026
When Chalamet recently said "no-one cares" about ballet or opera any more, he clearly wasn't expecting people to care enough about the remarks to ignite a furore.
From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026
If anyone could sway these men and ignite their passion, Burnham knew, Root was the one.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
