enkindle

American  

[en-kin-dl] / ɛnˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with or without object)

enkindled, enkindling

1. to kindle into flame, ardor, activity, etc.

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enkindle British  

/ ɪnˈkɪndəl /

verb

1. to set on fire; kindle

2. to excite to activity or ardour; arouse

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Other Word Forms

• enkindler noun

Etymology

Origin of enkindle

First recorded in 1540–50; en- ¹ + kindle ¹

Example Sentences

His father gave him lessons about it but then stopped: “He could not enkindle in the heart of the child what was ashes in his own.”

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2021

Minardi fought to enkindle the Catholic faith in youth — and he never gave up for the 70 years he was Ozzano’s parish priest, until coronavirus killed him at 94.

From Washington Times • Apr. 8, 2020

Friendly and exuberant “Let your wisdom enkindle others” “Looking forward for an everlasting scientific relationship!”

From Nature • Dec. 13, 2016

That he could not enkindle in the heart of the child what was ashes in his own.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Belzebub: The lawful Rights Of subjects to transgress can them inflame, And fires enkindle that the very air Would soon consume.

From Vondel's Lucifer by Vondel, Joost van den