verb
ignite
ig-NYTE/ɪɡˈnaɪt/
To set combustion in motion.
The lit match ignites the candle wick with a small new flame.
Etymology
The Latin verb meant both “set on fire” and “make red hot.” English uses the burning sense for either causing something to burn or beginning to burn.
In context
it will ignite fire somewhere else. NARRATOR: This ability for eucalyptus embers to travel on the wind and start further fires is a phenomenon known as spotting.
More examples
- She uses a match to ignite the kindling.
- Gasoline vapor ignites easily near an open flame.
- The campers waited until the damp wood finally ignited.
Forms
ignite · ignites · ignited · igniting
ignition noun — The process of starting something burning.