ignite

ig·nite

verb \ig-ˈnīt\

ig·nit·edig·nit·ing

Definition of IGNITE

transitive verb

1

: to subject to fire or intense heat; especially : to render luminous by heat

2

a : to set afire; also : kindle

b : to cause (a fuel) to burn

3

a : to heat up : excite <oppression that ignited the hatred of the people>

b : to set in motion : spark <ignite a debate>

intransitive verb

1

: to catch fire

2

: to begin to glow

— ig·nit·abil·i·ty \ig-ˌnī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ig·nit·able also ig·nit·ible \-ˈnī-tə-bəl\ adjective

— ig·nit·er also ig·ni·tor \-ˈnī-tər\ noun

Examples of IGNITE

1. The fire was ignited by sparks.
2. The paper ignited on contact with sparks.
3. a material that ignites easily
4. Three wins in a row ignited the team.
5. His proposal is igniting opposition.

Origin of IGNITE

Latin ignitus, past participle of ignire to ignite, from ignis

First Known Use: 1666

Related to IGNITE

Synonyms

enkindle, fire, burn, inflame (also enflame), kindle, light, torch

Antonyms

douse (also dowse), extinguish, put out, quench, snuff (out)

Related Words

immolate; deflagrate; char, frizzle, scorch; bake, broil, cook; ash, cremate, incinerate, kiln; set off; brighten, illuminate, illumine, irradiate, lighten, radiate; scald, scathe, sear; reignite, rekindle, relight; bank, stoke

Near Antonyms

choke, smother, suffocate; stamp (out); blacken, darken, dim, dull, obscure