ignite

The definition of ignite is to start on fire, or to instigate something.

(verb)

  1. When paper is exposed to flame and starts on fire, this is an example of a situation where the flame ignites the paper.
  2. When you introduce someone to a great book and inspire a lifelong passion for literature, this is an example of a situation where you ignite a passion for literature.

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See ignite in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb ignited, igniting

  1. to set fire to; cause to burn
  2. to heat to a great degree; make glow with heat
  3. to arouse the feelings of; excite

Origin: < L ignitus, pp. of ignire, to set on fire < ignis: see igneous

intransitive verb

to catch on fire; start burning

Related Forms:

See ignite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb ig·nit·ed, ig·nit·ing, ig·nites
verb, transitive
  1. a. To cause to burn.
    b. To set fire to.
  2. To subject to great heat, especially to make luminous by heat.
  3. To arouse the passions of; excite: The insults ignited my anger.
verb, intransitive
  1. To begin to burn.
  2. To begin to glow.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin ignīre, ignīt-

Origin: , from Latin ignis, fire

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Related Forms:

  • ig·nitˈa·ble, ig·nitˈi·ble adjective
  • ig·nitˈer, ig·niˈtor noun

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