ignite

verb

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ig·nite | \ ig-ˈnīt

ignited; igniting

Definition of ignite

transitive verb

1a : to set afire also : kindle

b : to cause (a fuel) to burn

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

3a : 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

Other Words from ignite Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about ignite

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Other Words from ignite

ignitability \ ig-ˌnī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

ignitable or less commonly ignitible \ ig-ˈnī-tə-bəl

\ adjective

igniter or less commonly ignitor \ ig-ˈnī-tər

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for ignite

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples of ignite in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web The news follows problems with a disappointing December 2020 launch, when the rocket motor of SpaceShipTwo did not ignite. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "Virgin Galactic space tourism flights delayed until 2022," 26 Feb. 2021 Weather officials warned earlier this week that gusty Santa Anas could ignite dry brush. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, "Strong winds, freezing temps, high surf: Southern California under multiple weather warnings," 4 Dec. 2020 The challenge, though, is that Trump could ignite the Democratic presidential nominee’s short temper with criticisms of his family or on matters of personal pride. — Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, "Democrats hope the first debate will be Biden’s to lose. But can he keep his cool?," 29 Sep. 2020 The eight men, whose movements were captured on video, were identified by ProPublica and FRONTLINE as members of the Oath Keepers, a long-standing militia group that has pledged to ignite a civil war on behalf of Trump. — Ford Fischer, ProPublica, "Several Well-Known Hate Groups Identified at Capitol Riot," 9 Jan. 2021 On Thursday, federal and state prosecutors charged 13 members of an armed group with planning to kidnap the governor and other violent, anti-government acts as part of an effort to ignite a wider civil war. — William Cummings, USA TODAY, "'They’re domestic terrorists': Michigan governor objects to calling men charged in kidnapping plot 'militias'," 9 Oct. 2020 Five men are killed on a British tanker docked in Brooklyn, not far from Ebbets Field, when gases ignite and cause an explosion. — Marc Bona, cleveland, "Brooklyn takes World Series lead: 1920 Game 3," 7 Oct. 2020 The blaze inched closer, at 97% containment Thursday, but flames continued to smolder and ignite brush fields near the perimeter line, according to a Cal Fire report. — Chronicle Staff, SFChronicle.com, "California wildfires: Live updates Sept. 10-11," 15 Sep. 2020 Avoid any activity that could cause a spark or ignite a grass fire. — Dallas News, "A windy Friday ahead," 15 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ignite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.