ignite

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verb ig·nite \ig-ˈnÄ«t\

: to set (something) on fire : to cause (something) to burn

: to begin burning : to catch fire

: to give life or energy to (someone or something)

ig·nit·edig·nit·ing

Full 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-ËŒnÄ«-tÉ™-ˈbi-lÉ™-tÄ“\ noun

— ig·nit·able also ig·nit·ible \-ˈnÄ«-tÉ™-bÉ™l\ adjective

— ig·nit·er also ig·ni·tor \-ˈnÄ«-tÉ™r\ noun

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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