ignite

[ig-nahyt]

verb (used with object)

ignited, igniting 

1. to set on fire; kindle.

2. Chemistry.,  to heat intensely; roast.

verb (used without object)

ignited, igniting 

1. to take fire; begin to burn.

ignite

/ ɪɡˈnaɪt /

verb

1. to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn

2. (tr) chem to heat strongly

3. (tr) to stimulate or provoke

   the case has ignited a nationwide debate

Other Word Forms

• ignitable adjective
• ignitability noun
• ignitible adjective
• ignitibility noun
• nonignitability noun
• nonignitable adjective
• nonignitibility noun
• nonignitible adjective
• reignite verb (used with object)
• unignitable adjective
• unignited adjective
• unigniting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignite¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin ignītus “set on fire,” past participle of ignīre “to set on fire,” from ign(is) “fire” + -īre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignite¹

C17: from Latin ignīre to set alight, from ignis fire

Synonym Study

See kindle ¹.

Example Sentences

As humans ignite fires with increasing frequency in Southern California — and continue to build deeper into fire-prone areas — wildfire policymakers and scientists are racing to better understand how to manage the crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

State fire investigators concluded that the 2022 Fairview fire was ignited when Edison’s equipment came in contact with a cable owned by Frontier Communications.

From Los Angeles Times

The blaze ignited around 6:40 p.m. north of West Sunset Boulevard in the 2100 block of Sunset Plaza Drive, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

From Los Angeles Times

The Pickett fire ignited Aug. 21 at 2343 Pickett Road just outside of Calistoga, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

From Los Angeles Times

That spending spree — along with new big-name studio hires — has ignited hope and enthusiasm among Hollywood’s creatives, who have weathered the industry’s recent downturns, consolidation and Paramount’s own stingy ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burn 
• inflame 
• kindle