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
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
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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.
Another put it like this: "The PLP is like a tinderbox – it might just ignite in May."
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Meanwhile, the Alphabet CEO’s new comp plan is now tied, in part, to Waymo, the self-driving car unit that grew out of Google and helped ignite the original excitement for the technology.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
Kudos to Bill Plaschke for recognizing and capturing the power of 6-year-old Jackson Tuyay’s passionate cheering that helped ignite the laid-back crowd and inspire the Lakers to a huge comeback win.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
Even the hype of this week’s flagship GPU Technology Conference failed to ignite a rally; instead, the stock has breached a long-term technical floor.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026
He brought them to the water monster’s mouth, remembering how two nights ago he had blown on the sweetgrass to ignite it.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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.
