First Known Use: 1666
Dictionary
ignite
verb ig·nite \ig-ˈnīt\
: to set (something) on fire : to cause (something) to burn
: to begin burning : to catch fire
: to give life or energy to (someone or something)
ig·nit·edig·nit·ing
Full Definition of IGNITE
transitive verb
1
: to subject to fire or intense heat; especially : to render luminous by heat
2
a : to set afire; also : kindle b : to cause (a fuel) to burn
3
intransitive verb
1
: to catch fire
2
: to begin to glow
— ig·nit·abil·i·ty \ig-ˌnī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— ig·nit·able also ig·nit·ible \-ˈnī-tə-bəl\ adjective
— ig·nit·er also ig·ni·tor \-ˈnī-tər\ noun
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Origin of IGNITE
Latin ignitus, past participle of ignire to ignite, from ignis
IGNITE Defined for Kids
ignite
verb ig·nite \ig-ˈnīt\
ig·nit·edig·nit·ing
Definition of IGNITE for Kids
1
: to set on fire : light <ignite newspaper>
2
: to catch fire <But the entire Oklahoma Panhandle is so dry, everything is … ready to ignite. — Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust>
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