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

Damages from the Palisades fire, which also ignited on Jan. 7, are not covered by the state wildfire fund.

From Los Angeles Times

Her grandmother, who ignited the family’s collector gene, had an array of antique Tiffany lamps and sophisticated coats, and ran a clothing shop of her own.

From Los Angeles Times

An inversion layer — a weather phenomenon that acts like a lid on the blaze — lifted and the fire “started throwing some spots,” he said, referring to tossing embers that ignite spot fires.

From Los Angeles Times

A brush fire ignited near homes in San Diego County on Monday afternoon, damaging multiple structures and prompting evacuation orders in the surrounding community of Lakeside.

From Los Angeles Times

The Greeks will return to Glasgow desperate to ignite their campaign after their home humbling.

From BBC

Related Words

• burn 
• inflame 
• kindle