# sparked

/ˈspɑɹkt/ (US) · /spˈɑːkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sparked
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to cause a reaction

verb · CEFR B2

to cause a sudden reaction or start a process, like an argument or a new idea.

For teachers: to trigger or initiate a sudden and often intense reaction, debate, or series of events.

- The new law sparked protests across the city as people demanded change.
- The senator's controversial remarks sparked a heated debate regarding the ethical implications of the proposed environmental policy.

### 2. to start a fire

verb · CEFR B2

to start a fire by creating small, bright flashes of light.

For teachers: to produce sparks that ignite a fire or electrical discharge.

- A short circuit in the old wiring sparked a small fire in the attic.
- The friction from the grinding wheel sparked a fire when it came into contact with the oily rags left on the workbench.

### 3. electrically treated

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

something that has had electricity passed through it.

For teachers: having been subjected to an electrical spark or discharge.

- The scientist examined the sparked gas to see how the molecules changed.
- The experiment required a sparked mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to demonstrate the synthesis of water in a controlled environment.

## Examples

- The new law sparked protests across the city.
- A single comment during the interview sparked a heated debate about privacy on social media.
- The discovery of the ancient manuscript sparked a renewed interest in medieval history among scholars, eventually leading to a complete revision of the existing historical timeline.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.