ignite

(verb) cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat. Synonyms: light. Examples: "Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter." "Light a cigarette."

(verb) start to burn or burst into flames. Synonyms: erupt, catch fire, take fire, combust, conflagrate. Examples: "Marsh gases ignited suddenly." "The oily rags combusted spontaneously."

(verb) arouse or excite feelings and passions. Synonyms: inflame, stir up, wake, heat, fire up. Examples: "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."