WordLens

ignite

1 of 1verb
/ɪɡˈnaɪt/
Forms:ignites,igniting,ignited,ignited
1

to cause something to catch fire

transitive
  • He ignited the gas stove with a flick of the lighter.
  • Sparks from the engine ignited the dry grass, starting a wildfire.
  • The match ignited the tinder, starting the campfire.
  • She ignited the fireworks with a sparkler, lighting up the night sky.
  • Chemical reactions can ignite flammable materials, leading to fires.
Antonyms:
2

to spark or intensify a feeling or situation

transitive
  • His words ignited a sense of anger among the crowd.
  • The news of the victory ignited excitement throughout the city.
  • The argument ignited tensions between the two teams.
  • His actions ignited a sense of betrayal in his friends.
  • The scandal ignited public outrage, prompting protests.
3

to catch fire or to begin burning spontaneously

  • The dry leaves began to ignite as the sun's rays intensified.
  • The mixture of chemicals was unstable and could ignite without warning.
  • Once the temperature rose sufficiently, the fuel started to ignite.
  • The fuel source was so volatile that it could easily ignite in the heat.
  • As the campfire smoldered, it took a while for the embers to ignite again.