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Definition of ignite

ignite

/ɪɡˈnaɪt/
ig · nite
Adjective:ignitable
•
Past Simple:ignited
•
Past Participle:ignited
•
Present Participle:igniting
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ignite Lexical Profile

ignite Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To catch fire or cause to catch fire.

Example

"A single stray spark from the campfire was enough to ignite the dry autumn leaves."

2

To arouse, provoke, or inflame (an emotion, passion, or conflict).

Example

"The professor's engaging lecture helped ignite a lifelong passion for astronomy in her students."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ignite

• Nearby Words

igloo
igneous
ignitable
ignite
igniter
ignition
ignobly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from the Latin past participle ignitus, from the verb ignire ('to set on fire'), which derives from the noun ignis ('fire').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ignite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ignite
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