ignite

Everyday

1. To ignite is to start burning or to make something start burning. tree →
2. To ignite a feeling or interest is to make it suddenly strong. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on burning, a fuel ignites when it is hot enough and has oxygen; the fire triangle is fuel, heat and oxygen. In safety lessons: keep flammable things away from flames because they can ignite easily; matches and lighters are for adults. In stories, a spark ignites a fire, or a speech ignites anger or hope. Phrases: ignite easily, ignite a fire, ignite interest.

Examples

• The match ignited with a small flash. tree →
• Petrol can ignite very easily, so keep it away from flames. tree →
• The rocket's engines ignited and it lifted off. tree →
• Dry leaves ignited when a spark landed on them. tree →
• The science show ignited her interest in space. tree →
• Never try to ignite fireworks without an adult. tree →
• During this festival it was customary for shepherds to ignite a mass of straw, through which they rushed with their flocks, believing that this ordeal would purify them from sin. tree →

Note

Regular verb: ignited, igniting. Noun: ignition (the key that starts a car goes in the ignition). Formal word for «light» or «catch fire». Flammable things ignite easily.