ignite in WordNet English dictionary

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