reignite

verb

re·​ig·​nite (ˌ)rē-ig-ˈnīt 

reignited; reigniting

1

transitive + intransitive : to begin or cause (something) to begin to burn again

The strong winds reignited the embers.

The fire reignited.

2

transitive : to give new life or energy to (something)

The success of the movie reignited her career.

The economic crisis has reignited debate on the regulation of banks.

3

intransitive : to reoccur suddenly

The war never really ended. It … seemed to reignite every two years or so.

—Jeffrey Bartholet

reignition

(ˌ)rē-ig-ˈni-shən 

noun

plural reignitions

measures to prevent the reignition of the fire

Crews will continue to patrol the affected areas today to keep an eye out for reignitions.

—Ryan Pfeil

Examples of reignite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The back-to-back resignations and investigations, spanning both parties and both the legislative and executive branches, have reignited a debate about whether Washington’s rules and institutions for self-oversight can keep pace with the misconduct unfolding within it. —Ana Ceballos follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

Tehran having struck its Gulf neighbours and fighting reignited between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. —Reuters, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026

Instead, the coach’s evolving messaging created credibility gaps ensuring that each new development reignited the story into more news headlines. —Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

Argentine President Javier Milei has launched a new effort to claim control of the Falkland Islands, reigniting a long-standing dispute with the United Kingdom over the archipelago, which once led to war. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reignite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight