self-ignite

verb

self-ig·​nite ˌself-ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce self-ignite (audio)
self-ignited; self-igniting; self-ignites

intransitive verb

: to become ignited without flame or spark (as under high compression)
self-ignition
ˌself-ig-ˈni-shən How to pronounce self-ignite (audio)
noun

Examples of self-ignite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chemicals overheated and self-ignited, releasing toxic peroxide fumes and forcing 200 people to evacuate. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 The basic 110-pound blast-fragmentation version has been joined by shaped charge, fragmentation-incendiary, thermobaric and even what looks like a napalm version spreading a self-igniting liquid which is impossible to put out. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-ignite was in 1835

Rhymes for self-ignite

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Browse Nearby Words

selfie
self-ignite
self-ignition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-ignite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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