ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce ignite (audio)
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 noun
ignitable adjective
or less commonly ignitible
igniter noun
or less commonly ignitor

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 unprecedented decision threw IVF treatment into turmoil there and ignited a wider debate on the definition of personhood. Naomi Schanen, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Her permission to surrender ignited the intensity of my yearning for a mate and the magnitude of my failure. Cathleen Calkins, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Proper vehicle care and ensuring that all automotive attachments are secured when towing trailers will help keep roadside fires and wildfires from igniting, Davila added. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Aggressive interest rate hikes further strained household finances, and financial market turbulence deflated 401(k) balances, igniting a wave of retirement worries. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The Hamas attack into Israel that ignited the war killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the militants seized around 250 hostages. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2024 The Smokehouse Creek Fire which ignited Monday in the Texas Panhandle has burned over 1 million acres and is now considered the largest wildfire in the state’s history, officials said. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Feb. 2024 Provide the encouragement and inspiration to help ignite their passion to deliver exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Talk to customers and listen to them recite experiences with your brand and what emotions your brand helps ignite or resolve. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ignite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignite was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near ignite

Cite this Entry

“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ignite

verb
ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce ignite (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ignite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!