kindle

¹ American  

[kin-dl] / ˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object)

kindled, kindling

1. to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.

   Synonyms:

   light, fire

2. to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).

3. to excite; stir up or set going; animate; rouse; inflame.

   He kindled their hopes of victory.

   Synonyms:

   stimulate, incite, bestir, awaken, arouse

4. to light up, illuminate, or make bright.

   Happiness kindled her eyes.

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verb (used without object)

kindled, kindling

1. to begin to burn, as combustible matter, a light, fire, or flame.

2. to become aroused or animated.

3. to become lighted up, bright, or glowing, as the sky at dawn or the eyes with ardor.

kindle ² American  

[kin-dl] / ˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object)

kindled, kindling

1. (of animals, especially rabbits) to bear (young); produce (offspring).

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verb (used without object)

kindled, kindling

1. (of animals, especially rabbits) to give birth, as to a litter.

noun

1. a litter of kittens, rabbits, etc.

kindle ¹ British  

/ ˈkɪndəl /

verb

1. to set alight or start to burn

2. to arouse or be aroused

   the project kindled his interest

3. to make or become bright

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Kindle ² British  

/ ˈkɪndəl /

noun

1. a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books

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Related Words

Kindle, ignite, inflame literally mean to set something on fire. To kindle is to cause something gradually to begin burning; it is often used figuratively: to kindle logs; to kindle someone's interest. To ignite is to set something on fire with a sudden burst of flame; it too is often used figuratively: to ignite straw; to ignite dangerous hatreds. Inflame is most often used figuratively, meaning to intensify, excite, or rouse: to inflame passions.

Other Word Forms

• kindler noun

Etymology

Origin of kindle¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English kindlen, from Old Norse kynda (compare Old Norse kindill “torch, candle”) + -le ( def. )

Origin of kindle²

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English kindelen, verb use of kindel “offspring, young,” equivalent to kind- ( Old English gecynd “offspring”) + -el; -le, kind ²

Example Sentences

The author visits public and charter schools, meeting teachers who despair at their inability to kindle even the slightest interest in young people whose curiosity has been extinguished by the internet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The Times’ Bill Shaikin has pointed out that geographical realignment would be tied to schedule reform that could help kindle rivalries and encourage fans to visit opposing ballparks that are within driving distance.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

And if you love "Discovery," its devotion to showcasing those who long felt unseen in this franchise may kindle that affection.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2024

They were to be “ferocious in battle ... magnanimous in victory,” and to kindle the “light of liberation” in the eyes of the children.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• arouse
• awaken
• foment
• inflame
• inspire
• provoke
• rouse
• sharpen
• stimulate
• stir
• whet
• work up