ignite
word
Definition
To set something on fire or make it start burning; also to cause a strong emotion or situation to start.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in both literal and figurative contexts: 'ignite a fire' (literal), 'ignite curiosity' (figurative). More formal than 'light' or 'start'. Common in science, literature, and news. Can refer to causing conflict or emotion.
Spanish: encender - prender - provocar (sentimientos)Portuguese (BR): acender - inflamar - provocar (sentimentos)Portuguese (PT): acender - inflamar - provocar (sentimentos)Chinese (Simplified): 点燃 - 激发 (情感)Chinese (Traditional): 點燃 - 激發 (情感)Hindi: जला देना - भड़काना (भावनाएँ)Arabic: أشعل - أثار (مشاعر)Bengali: জ্বালানো - উসকে দেওয়াRussian: зажигать - воспламенять - разжигать (переносное)Japanese: 点火する - 刺激する (比喩的)Vietnamese: đốt cháy - khơi dậyKorean: 점화하다 - 불러일으키다Turkish: ateşlemek - tutuşturmak - tetiklemek (mecaz)Urdu: جلانا - بھڑکاناIndonesian: menyalakan - memicu
Example Sentences
Her words ignited anger in the crowd.
basic
Please do not ignite any matches indoors.
basic
The spark can ignite the gasoline.
basic
The teacher tried to ignite the students’ passion for learning.
natural
It only takes one small idea to ignite a movement.
natural
The festival atmosphere really ignited the whole city.
natural