rekindle

American  

[ree-kin-dl] / riˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object)

rekindled, rekindling

1. to excite, stir up, or rouse anew.

   efforts to rekindle their romance;

   comments that rekindled her anger.

2. to cause to begin burning again; ignite again.

   Never use gasoline to rekindle a fire.

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verb (used without object)

rekindled, rekindling

1. to begin to burn again; ignite again.

   She is worried about a fire rekindling.

rekindle British  

/ riːˈkɪndəl /

verb

1. to arouse or cause to be aroused again

   rekindle the romance in your relationship

2. to set alight or start to burn again

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Etymology

Origin of rekindle

First recorded in 1590–1600; re- ( def. ) + kindle ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Use the verb rekindle when you're trying to get something started again, like a fire or a romance. If your campfire goes out while you're getting the marshmallows out of your tent, you'll want to rekindle it. Likewise, if you've lost touch with a childhood friend, you might try to rekindle your relationship when you meet again as adults. Re means "again," and kindle means "start a fire," probably from the Old Norse kynda, "to light a fire." Rekindle has been used in the figurative sense from around 1300.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the 7-word initial pitch for the new media entity is simple: “Sign up. Stay current. Rekindle your passion,” the Messenger advises.

From Washington Times • May 3, 2023

Bad idea: Rekindle an old flame anywhere in California.

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2021

Rekindle your romance by getting out of the house for an old-fashioned date.

From Time • Mar. 5, 2014

Rekindle the spirits of old �friend�, or begin new with the inspiration of this timeless necessity.

From Time Magazine Archive

Rekindle, rē-kin′dl, v.t. to kindle again: to set on fire or arouse anew.—v.i. to take fire anew.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Related Words

• renew
• revitalize
• revive