verb
ignite
ihg-NYT
verb
1
To set something on fire, or to begin burning.
"A stray spark ignited the dry grass and started a wildfire."
"The fuel-air mixture ignites the instant it hits the spark plug."
2
To trigger or start something suddenly, especially strong emotion or conflict.
"The comment ignited a heated debate online."
How to Use Ignite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo catch fire or make something catch fire, or figuratively, to spark off a strong reaction.
Common pairings
ignite a spark
ignite controversy
ignite a fire
Word Forms
ignited past tense, ignites singular
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A stray spark _____ the dry grass and started a wildfire.
Etymology
From Latin ignire, "to set on fire," from ignis, "fire" — the same root behind words like "igneous."