ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt 

ignited; igniting

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

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

ignitability

ig-ˌnī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

ignitable adjective

or less commonly ignitible

ig-ˈnī-tə-bəl 

igniter noun

or less commonly ignitor

ig-ˈnī-tər 

Synonyms

• burn
• enkindle
• fire
• inflame
• enflame
• kindle
• light
• torch

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 penalty was the latest in a long string of fines, lawsuits and legislation intended to hold PG&E accountable for several fires its equipment helped ignite. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2024

Introducing new fire risks to heavily trafficked ports with combustible cargoes is also dangerous — imagine the threats to safety, the environment and property if a DPF ignites on a tugboat carrying 110,000 barrels of fuel. —Thomas Catenacci, Fox News, 14 Apr. 2024

April Showers: How a five-hour weather delay in Baltimore ignited the Royals’ hot streak KC Rebirth? —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2024

Here, amidst a sea of RVs, the festival spirit ignites with unparalleled fervor: from impromptu gatherings around lawn chairs to spirited games of beer pong. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 12 Apr. 2024

Ford is recalling 43,000 automobiles following an error with fuel injectors that can cause gas leaks, possibly igniting fires. —The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024

The benefit will provide essential funding for Music Will’s ongoing mission to provide teacher training, a diverse curriculum, and free musical instruments to students—connecting them with the music that ignites their interest. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024

Clark isn't the only reason more people than ever tuned in to watch women's basketball this season, but her accomplishments this year likely helped ignite fans' interest. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

A week earlier, divorce rumors were ignited when Hailey’s father Stephen Baldwin publicly shared a post asking for prayer requests for the couple, who have long been bonded by their faith. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing ignite

• self-ignite

Kids Definition

ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt 

ignited; igniting

1

a

: to set on fire : light

b

: to cause (a fuel mixture) to burn

2

: to catch fire

3

: to set in motion : spark

ignite a debate

ignitable

-ˈnīt-ə-bəl

adjective

igniter noun

also ignitor

-ˈnīt-ər