ignite

/ɪɡˈnaɪt/
verb
  1. To cause something to catch fire or start burning.
    • The mechanic used a spark to ignite the fuel in the engine.
    • A lightning strike can easily ignite dry grass in the summer.
    • Be careful not to ignite the gas fumes when lighting a match.
  2. To start or spark a strong feeling, reaction, or event.
    • The speaker's passionate words ignited a sense of hope in the audience.
    • Her speech ignited a lively debate among the students.
    • The discovery of gold ignited a rush of settlers to the region.
Synonyms
What does "ignite" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean