Definition

Verb: 1. To cause something to start burning or to catch fire again: To set alight or ignite something that had previously stopped burning or had cooled down. 2. To cause something to start or become active again; to revive: To stimulate or reawaken a feeling, interest, conflict, or activity that had diminished or ended.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Fire):
  • The firefighters were worried the wind would reignite the forest fire.
  • A stray spark managed to reignite the campfire we thought was out.
• Figurative (Emotions, Conflict, Interest):
  • The controversial article reignited the public debate on the issue.
  • Visiting her hometown reignited her passion for painting.
  • The team's victory reignited hopes for a championship.

Advanced Usage

• "to reignite tensions": To cause feelings of strain or hostility to flare up again.
  • The border dispute has reignited long-standing tensions between the two nations.
• "to reignite one's imagination": To stimulate creative thought or inspiration once more.
  • The science fiction novel reignited his childhood imagination.

Variants and Related Words

• Reignition (noun): The act or process of reigniting.
  • The reignition of the engine was successful.
• Ignite (verb): To start burning or to arouse a feeling. (This is the base verb from which "reignite" is formed, with the prefix "re-" meaning "again").

Synonyms

• Rekindle: To revive or make something active again (very close in meaning, especially for figurative use).
• Relight: To light again (used almost exclusively for literal fire or flames).
• Revive: To restore to life, consciousness, or activity.
• Resurrect: To bring back into use, practice, or attention.

Antonyms

• Extinguish: To cause a fire or light to stop burning; to end or eliminate a feeling or idea.
• Quell: To put an end to a rebellion or other disorder, typically by the use of force; to suppress a feeling.
• Dampen: To make a fire burn less strongly; to make a feeling or activity less strong or enthusiastic.

Verb

1. ignite anew, as of something burning
   • The strong winds reignited the cooling embers