ignite ignite /ˌɪgˈnaɪt/

verb

1. () Cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat  ( ignite , light )
   cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat
    Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter
   Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter
    Light a cigarette
   Light a cigarette
   
2. () Arouse or excite feelings and passions  ( fire up , heat , inflame , ignite , stir up , wake )
   arouse or excite feelings and passions
    The ostentatious way of living of the rich ignites the hatred of the poor
   The ostentatious way of living of the rich ignites the hatred of the poor
    The refugees' fate stirred up compassion around the world
   The refugees' fate stirred up compassion around the world
    Wake old feelings of hatred
   Wake old feelings of hatred
   
3. () Start to burn or burst into flames  ( combust , conflagrate , take fire , catch fire , erupt , ignite )
   start to burn or burst into flames
    Marsh gases ignited suddenly
   Marsh gases ignited suddenly
    The oily rags combusted spontaneously
   The oily rags combusted spontaneously
   
4. Start or maintain a fire in  ( fire , ignite , light )
   start or maintain a fire in
    Fire the furnace
   fire the furnace