ig|nite

ig|nite «ihg NYT», verb, -nit|ed, -nit|ing.

–v.t.

1. a) to set on fire; kindle: »

He ignited the match by scratching it on the box.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under kindle. (Cf. ↑kindle) b) Figurative. to stir up; spark: »

A seizure of independence…could ignite racial war in Central Africa (New York Times).

2. to make intensely hot; cause to glow with heat.

3. Chemistry. to heat to the point of combustion or chemical change.

–v.i.

to take fire; begin to burn: »

Gasoline ignites easily.

╂[< Latin ignītus, past participle of ignīre to set afire < ignis fire]