From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishigniteig‧nite /ɪɡˈnaɪt/ verb 1 [intransitive, transitive] formalBURN to start burning, or to make something start burning The petrol tank suddenly ignited. The candle ignited the plastic.► see thesaurus at burn2 ANGRYUPSET[transitive] to start a dangerous situation, angry argument etc events which ignited the war in Europe→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
ignite• Scientists could not explain why the gas had suddenly ignited.• Add gin and sherry and carefully ignite.• Wilson can even ignite an issue which voters may not know is troubling them.• The firebomb did not ignite and caused only minor damage.• The compound ignites at 450 degrees Celsius.• The gas is ignited by an electrical spark.• The barrels are spun round and heavy firing pins ignite each charge in turn, unleashing a volley of fire.• If the mixture proves difficult to ignite, increase the proportion of ethylene.• A shortage of bread ignited the 1917 riots.• But McMahon, who passed for 157 yards and a touchdown, ignited the Eagles' best display for five weeks.• When the wires fell, they ignited the gas leaking from the main.• Anxiety is like a smouldering fire, a wind can come along and ignite the glowing embers.Origin ignite (1600-1700) Latin past participle of ignire “to cause to start burning”, from ignis “fire” 