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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ignitabilitynoun
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ignitibilitynoun
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nonignitabilitynoun
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nonignitibilitynoun
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ignitableadjective
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ignitibleadjective
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nonignitableadjective
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nonignitibleadjective
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unignitableadjective
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unignitedadjective
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unignitingadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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ignitesimple
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ignitessimple
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have ignitedperfect
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has ignitedperfect
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am ignitingprogressive
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are ignitingprogressive
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is ignitingprogressive
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have been ignitingperfect progressive
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has been ignitingperfect progressive
Past
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ignitedsimple
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had ignitedperfect
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was ignitingprogressive
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were ignitingprogressive
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had been ignitingperfect progressive
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
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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.
Wurm founded evangelical Christian ministry Ignite the Fire focused on Caribbean youth.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
Prosecutors allege that, from December 2018 to September 2024, Bilzerian, Rohleder and Ignite conspired to impede the SEC from collecting on the judgments.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024
The research was funded by the Ignite Fund and Shark Tank Fund awards from the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2024
Henderson is in the event for a third time, after being picked twice when he played for the G League Ignite in 2022 and 2023.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2024
The separation of manganese from other metals is thus effected: Ignite, in order to destroy any organic matter which may be present; dissolve in hydrochloric acid, and evaporate to dryness, to separate silica.
From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius
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.
