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.

---

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).

---

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

---

Kindle ² British  

/ ˈkɪndəl /

noun

1. a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books

---

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

If you liked him you liked it, if not you didn’t, but he did nothing to draw you into his way of thinking, bring you along, increase your confidence, kindle a little faith.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Let’s rededicate ourselves to add more light in honor of those murdered in Sydney. Let’s come out proudly to public menorah lightings, and make sure to kindle our own menorahs at home.”

From Los Angeles Times

Still, an ember of hope kindled deep within him.

From Literature

Milei’s post-midterms victory speech kindled hope for less chain saw and more coalition building over the next two years, Stock says.

From Barron's

Speaking at her late husband’s memorial service on Sept. 21, Erika Kirk said Charlie’s death had kindled a spiritual renewal for many of his followers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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