ignite

American  

[ig-nahyt] / ɪgˈnaɪt /

verb (used with object)

ignited, igniting

1. to set on fire; kindle.

2. Chemistry.  to heat intensely; roast.

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verb (used without object)

ignited, igniting

1. to take fire; begin to burn.

ignite British  

/ 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

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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

Example Sentences

And it was Stearns who helped Weston toward a deeper understanding of jazz’s African roots, which led the pianist and composer to travel across and establish a foothold in Africa, igniting his life’s musical work.

From The Wall Street Journal

The failures allowed hot gases to escape 73 seconds after the Challenger lifted off, igniting its fuel tank.

From The Wall Street Journal

The futility and frustration of dieting has in recent years ignited a resistance movement of sorts, encouraging women, especially, to reject social pressures to maintain a slender form.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When a fire is initiated, it can ignite the bamboo scaffolding.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• burn
• inflame
• kindle