ignite

[ ig-nahyt ]

/ ɪgˈnaɪt /

verb (used with object), ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

to set on fire; kindle.

Chemistry. to heat intensely; roast.

verb (used without object), ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing.

to take fire; begin to burn.

Nearby words

Origin of ignite

1660–70; < Latin ignītus (past participle of ignīre to set on fire, ignite), equivalent to ign(is) fire + -ītus -ite²

SYNONYMS FOR ignite

1. See kindle¹.

Related forms

ig·nit·a·ble, ig·nit·i·ble, adjectiveig·nit·a·bil·i·ty, ig·nit·i·bil·i·ty, nounnon·ig·nit·a·bil·i·ty, nounnon·ig·nit·a·ble, adjective

non·ig·nit·i·bil·i·ty, nounnon·ig·nit·i·ble, adjectivere·ig·nite, verb (used with object), re·ig·nit·ed, re·ig·nit·ing.un·ig·nit·a·ble, adjectiveun·ig·nit·ed, adjectiveun·ig·nit·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for reignite

One nabob even seems to have commandeered the challenge to reignite an old grudge.
#IceBucketChallenge Wisdom From 'Jackass' Steve-O|Kevin Zawacki|August 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He tries to reignite his romance with his twin sister, Cersei, but she brushes him aside.
Game of Thrones’ Season 4 Premiere ‘Two Swords’: Valyrian Steel, Arya’s Revenge, and the Red Viper|Andrew Romano|April 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is our generation's task, then, to reignite the true engine of America's economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class.
Full Text and Video of President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address|Justin Green|February 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Talk that Harry and Chelsy might reignite their relationship is given fresh impetus.
Is Prince Harry Hoping for a Reconciliation?|Tom Sykes|April 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Even some flamed-out former bubble markets are starting to reignite.
Housing Market's Hot Spots Run Counter to Weak Sales Overall|June Fletcher|December 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for reignite

reignite

/ (ˌriːɪɡˈnaɪt) /

verb

to catch fire or cause to catch fire againthe burners reignited

to flare up or cause to flare up againto reignite the war

ignite

/ (ɪɡˈnaɪt) /

verb

to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn

(tr) chem to heat strongly

(tr) to stimulate or provokethe case has ignited a nationwide debate

Derived Formsignitable or ignitible, adjectiveignitability or ignitibility, noun

Word Origin for ignite

C17: from Latin ignīre to set alight, from ignis fire

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for reignite

ignite

1660s, from Latin ignitus, past participle of ignire "set on fire," from ignis "fire" (see igneous). Attested earlier as an adjective (1550s). Related: Ignited; igniting.