Ignited

ɪɡˈnaɪtɪd

verbmedium📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To set fire to something; to cause to burn.

ɪɡˈnaɪt

verbneutralmedium
General

To set something on fire or cause it to start burning.

The sudden spark ignited the gasoline.

💡 Simply: Ignited means like starting a fire! Imagine you strike a match and *ignite* the paper – it bursts into flames! It can also mean to get something else going, like a fun conversation.

👶 For kids: To start a fire or make something start burning.

More Examples

2

The protest ignited a nationwide debate.

3

A sudden electrical surge ignited the wiring.

How It's Used

General

"The match ignited the dry leaves."

Chemistry

"The catalyst ignited the chemical reaction."

2

To cause a strong feeling or emotion, like anger or enthusiasm, to begin or intensify; to trigger or spark.

ɪɡˈnaɪt

verbneutralmedium
General

To cause something to begin or intensify (used metaphorically).

His words ignited a firestorm of criticism.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'ignited' can mean starting something else, like a feeling! If someone says something that *ignites* anger, it means they said something that made people really mad.

👶 For kids: To make something start, like feelings or a big fight.

More Examples

2

The discovery ignited her passion for science.

3

The scandal ignited public outrage.

How It's Used

Figurative

"The new policy ignited a wave of protests."

Politics

"The controversial speech ignited public anger."

Tip:Think of something like a strong emotion, such as anger, being 'ignited' – starting quickly and spreading.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

Ignite the imagination

To stimulate someone's creativity and imaginative thinking.

"The art exhibition was designed to ignite the imagination of visitors."

From Latin *ignitus*, past participle of *ignire* 'to set on fire', from *ignis* 'fire'.

The word 'ignite' has been used since the late 16th century, initially referring to the act of setting something on fire. Its metaphorical usage, to spark an emotion or event, developed later.

Memory tip

Imagine *igniting* a fire – it’s the action of starting it.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"fire"

ignite a fireignite a passionignite angerignite a debateignite a discussion

Common misspellings

ignightedigniited

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written