zünden
Translation
to ignite, to light, to detonate, to catch on
Examples
Ein Funke kann Benzin zünden.
A spark can ignite petrol.
Die Bombe zündete nicht.
The bomb did not detonate.
Sein Witz hat nicht gezündet.
His joke didn't catch on.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to ignite sth. A spark can ignite petrol.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to light, to kindle; Antonyms: to extinguish (löschen)
Etymology
From Old High German 'zuntōn', related to 'Zunder' (tinder).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'Zünder' (detonator) which 'zündet' (ignites) an explosive.