1 a : (+ object) : to set (something) on fire : to cause (something) to burn : LIGHT
ignite a bonfire
The fire was ignited by sparks.
b : (no object) : to begin burning : to catch fire
The paper ignited on contact with sparks.
a material that ignites easily
2 : ( + object)
a : to give life or energy to (someone or something)
Three wins in a row ignited the team.
The story ignited (=fired) her imagination.
b : to cause the sudden occurrence of (something)
Her comments have ignited (=sparked) a controversy.
His proposal is igniting opposition.
– ignitable adjective
a material that is easily ignitable
ignitable fuel