ignition
UK: ɪɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n | US: ɪɡˈnɪʃən
n. the action of setting something on fire or starting to burn
n. the process of starting a combustion engine
n. (figuratively) the act of sparking an idea or event
ignition = ign<fire> + ition<noun suffix>
- ign (from Latin ignis, meaning "fire")
- ition (a noun-forming suffix indicating action or process, from Latin -itio)
Etymology Origin:
The word ignition traces back to the Latin ignis (fire), reflecting its core association with combustion. The suffix -ition transforms the root into a noun denoting the process of initiating fire, later extended to mechanical contexts (e.g., engine ignition) and metaphorical uses (e.g., igniting passion). The logic is straightforward: ignis → ignition (fire-starting process).
The ignition of the fireworks lit up the night sky.
Turn the key to start the car’s ignition.
His speech provided the ignition for the protest movement.
Faulty wiring caused accidental ignition in the warehouse.
The scientist studied the chemical conditions required for ignition.