Definition of ignite

The word "ignite" originally stemmed from the Latin word "ignīre" which means "to kindle" or "to light a fire." The root of this word, "ignī," is derived from the Indo-European word "genə," which means "to produce or generate." In ancient Latin, "ignīre" was commonly used to denote the process of setting fire to objects, but also to describe the act of arousing or inflaming emotions. It was later incorporated into the French language as "igniter" and eventually made its way into the English vocabulary in the 15th century through Old French as "igneiten." The modern English version of the word "ignite" is derived from the French word, and it is commonly used to imply an intense and sudden increase in activity, motion, or excitement, much like the intense flame generated when setting a fire ablaze. Its meaning has evolved over time, and today, it is commonly associated with a wide range of activities, from igniting a gas stove to igniting a passion, sparking an idea or setting off a nuclear reaction. Overall, the origin of the word "ignite" serves as an illustrative reminder of the strong link between language, culture, and history.