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
Synonym Usage
See kindle 1.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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nonignitabilitynoun
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reigniteverb (used with object)
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ignitableadjective
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unignitedadjective
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nonignitibleadjective
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nonignitableadjective
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ignitabilitynoun
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ignitibilitynoun
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unignitableadjective
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ignitibleadjective
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unignitingadjective
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nonignitibilitynoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has ignitedperfect 3rd person singular
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have ignitedperfect
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have been ignitingperfect progressive
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ignitingparticiple
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is ignitingprogressive 3rd person singular
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am ignitingprogressive 1st person singular
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ignitessingular 3rd person
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are ignitingprogressive
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has been ignitingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
Past
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had ignitedperfect
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was ignitingprogressive singular
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ignitedsimple
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were ignitingprogressive plural
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had been ignitingperfect progressive
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ignitedparticiple
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.
Vocabulary lists containing ignite
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Elements of the Universe: Ign, Igni ("Fire")
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Chains
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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.
Burrell scored seven of her points in the second, though, to ignite a 20-point quarter and the Sparks trailed 37-30 at the half.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
Such toppling energy may be necessary for Ionesco’s vision to spontaneously ignite into antic life.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
Another put it like this: "The PLP is like a tinderbox – it might just ignite in May."
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Those launches helped ignite strong interest in the category among Chinese consumers.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
“But if you think about it, all it needs is a tiny spark to ignite the gas,” I said.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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.
