ignition
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ignition, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ignition
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire."
Full origin of ignition →Frequently asked questions
What does “ignition” mean?
The word “ignition” means the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins. In plain terms, the moment something catches fire or starts running — most often used for engines and car keys.
How do you pronounce “ignition”?
“Ignition” is pronounced ihg-NIH-shuhn (/ɪɡˈnɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ignition” in a sentence?
Here is “ignition” used in a sentence: “The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds.”
What part of speech is “ignition”?
“Ignition” is a noun.
Where does the word “ignition” come from?
The word “ignition” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire.".
Is “ignition” a common word?
“Ignition” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ignition” have?
“Ignition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.
What is the difference between ignition and combustion?
Ignition refers to the point at which something first catches fire or a combustion process begins, while combustion is the ongoing chemical reaction of burning itself. Ignition is the trigger or starting moment; combustion is the sustained process that follows.
Does ignition refer to the car part or the process of starting an engine?
It can refer to either: the ignition system is the set of components (including the ignition switch) that starts combustion in an engine, and "ignition" is also used loosely to mean the switch or slot where a key is turned to start the vehicle. Context usually clarifies whether the physical part or the process is meant.
What is the difference between the ignition switch and the ignition system?
The ignition switch is the specific component, often operated by a key or button, that a driver uses to start the engine. The ignition system is the broader network of parts, including the switch, that work together to initiate combustion in the engine.