Ignite is a verba word that shows an action, state, or occurrence that usually means to start burning. It can also mean to make something catch fire, or more figurativelyused in a symbolic or non-literal way, to stir up strong feelings or reactionsresponses or effects caused by an event or statement.
The section above was reviewed by a man
Ignite Meaning
to make something start burning
Part of speech: verb
Definition: cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat
Example: A spark can ignite dry leaves.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- light — A direct synonym in the sense of starting a fire or making something burn.
The section above was reviewed by a man
Other Meanings of Ignite
Meaning 2
to begin burning
Part of speech: verb
Definition: start to burn or burst into flames
Example: The gas ignited suddenly.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- catch fire — A close substitute for something that begins burning on its own or very quickly.
- combust — Correct in a formal sense, but less natural in everyday English.
- conflagrate — Very formal and rare; used for being consumed by fire.
- take fire — A genuine synonym for beginning to burn.
Meaning 3
to light and keep a fire going in something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: start or maintain a fire in
Example: They ignited the fireplace before dinner.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- fire — Works in this sense, but is broader and less precise.
- light — A natural synonym when you mean to light a fire.
Meaning 4
to make feelings stronger and more intense
Part of speech: verb
Definition: arouse or excite feelings and passions
Example: The news ignited anger across the city.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- fire up — A strong colloquial substitute for making emotions more intense.
- inflame — A direct and common synonym in this emotional sense.
- stir up — Works well when actions or words provoke strong feelings.
- heat — Can work in this figurative sense, but is less direct and less common.
- wake — Possible in some figurative uses, but not a strong everyday synonym here.
The section above was reviewed by a man
Ignite Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- light
start to burn or burst into flames
- catch fire
- take fire
start or maintain a fire in
- light
- fire
arouse or excite feelings and passions
- inflame
- fire up
- stir up
The section above was reviewed by a man
Common Mistakes
- Using ignite for ordinary emotional excitement when a more natural word like ‘excite’ may fit better.
- Confusing ignite with erupt, which is not a direct synonym for catching fire.
- Using combust in casual speech, where ‘burn’ or ‘catch fire’ is more natural.
The section above was reviewed by a man
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ignite mean in simple English?
Ignite means to start burning, or to make something start burning. It can also mean to cause strong feelings to rise.
What is a common synonym for ignite?
A common synonym is light, especially when you mean to start a fire.
Is ignite only used for fire?
No. It is also used figuratively, for example when something ignites anger, interest, or passion.
The section above was reviewed by a man