ignite

/ɪɡˈnaɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪɡˈnaɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ig-ˈnīt/ (ame, mw)

ignite — verb

  • ignitepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • igniteshe / she / it
  • ignitedpast simple
  • igniting-ing form

1. to cause a substance to catch fire and begin burning, typically through heat, a

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to cause a substance to catch fire and begin burning, typically through heat, a spark, or a flame; also used intransitively when describing how fuels or materials burst into flame

例句

A spark from the campfire ignited the dry leaves near the tent.

collocation: ignite + dry [leaves / grass / wood]

The mechanic warned that a leaking fuel pipe could easily ignite.

intransitive use: fuel pipe / gas / chemical can ignite

同義詞
  • light

    everyday use for candles, fires, cigarettes; less technical than 'ignite'

  • kindle

    literary; suggests gently starting a fire, especially in a fireplace or campfire

  • set fire to

    more dramatic; implies deliberate, often destructive action

反義詞
  • extinguish

    formal; to put out a fire or flame

  • put out

    everyday phrasal verb for stopping something from burning

文法句型

ignite + noun phrase (a fuel, dry leaves, a gas burner)

noun phrase + ignites (intransitive use for fuels, chemicals, engines)

用法筆記

Can be used transitively (ignite something) or intransitively (something ignites). For everyday items like candles or cigarettes, 'light' is more natural than 'ignite', which sounds technical or formal.

常見錯誤

❌He ignited the candle with a lighter.
✅He lit the candle with a lighter.
💡For candles, cigarettes, and campfires, 'light' is the everyday word; 'ignite' sounds overly technical.

2. to cause a strong feeling, a heated argument, or a tense situation to start sudd

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause a strong feeling, a heated argument, or a tense situation to start suddenly — for example, a comment that ignites anger, a news report that ignites a debate, or an event that ignites a protest

例句

Samira's speech about the budget cuts ignited a fierce debate at the town hall meeting.

collocation: ignite + debate / argument / discussion

The newspaper article about the factory closure ignited public anger across the region.

collocation: ignite + anger / outrage / fury

同義詞
  • spark

    similar intensity; slightly less destructive connotation; works for positive and negative situations

  • trigger

    neutral; can be positive or negative; often used in psychological or mechanical contexts

  • provoke

    implies deliberately causing a reaction, often anger or annoyance

反義詞
  • calm

    to reduce strong emotions or tension

  • quell

    formal; to stop protests, anger, or unrest

文法句型

ignite + noun phrase (anger, debate, protest, conflict, passion, outrage)

用法筆記

Typically transitive. The subject is usually an event, remark, action, report, or discovery. Common objects include 'debate', 'anger', 'protest', 'conflict', 'outrage', 'passion', and 'scandal'. Not used for gentle or mildly positive emotions.

常見錯誤

❌The good news ignited her happiness.
✅The good news sparked her joy.
💡'ignite' suggests sudden, intense, and often negative reactions; for positive emotions 'spark' or 'kindle' are more natural.