MEANING
1. To set something on fire or cause it to begin burning.
2. To provoke a strong feeling, conflict, or burst of activity.
Use it for
Show a spark that turns into flame or action.Use for fire, a spark of conflict, or a feeling suddenly awakened.
Words that belong together
- ignite a fire
- ignite dry grass
- ignite a fuse
- ignite a debate
- ignite anger
- ignite a rebellion
On the page
A fallen branch ignited the dry grass beside the fence.
Her accusation ignited an argument that had been waiting all week.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- ignite
- Past tense
- ignited
- Past participle
- ignited
- Present participle
- igniting
Full tense & aspect guide
- Present
- ignite
- Present continuous
- am/is/are igniting
- Present perfect
- have/has ignited
- Present perfect continuous
- have/has been igniting
- Past
- ignited
- Past continuous
- was/were igniting
- Past perfect
- had ignited
- Past perfect continuous
- had been igniting
- Future
- will ignite
- Future continuous
- will be igniting
- Future perfect
- will have ignited
- Future perfect continuous
- will have been igniting
Choose the auxiliary that agrees with your subject. These are constructions of one word, not separate entries.
Explore related collections
Usage notes
The literal sense takes a flammable object as its direct object; figurative use can describe a sudden beginning of emotion or conflict. Sense 2: The figurative sense emphasizes sudden activation; it need not involve literal fire.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.