rekindle

[ree-kin-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.

verb (used without object)

rekindled, rekindling 

1. to begin to burn again; ignite again.

   She is worried about a fire rekindling.

rekindle

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rekindle¹

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

Example Sentences

The spectacle has rekindled hopes that America can become less polarized and find more common ground.

Read more on Salon

Federal investigators say the Lachman fire was deliberately set on New Year’s Day and burned underground in a canyon root system until it was rekindled by high winds on Jan. 7.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Russia sanctions and a possible rekindling of Israel-Iran tensions pose upside risk, as does the expected reopening of the U.S. government, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Federal investigators say the Lachman fire was deliberately set and had burned underground in a canyon root system until high winds rekindled it on Jan. 7.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Afterward, he complained about being reduced to a “non-person,” but rekindled public outrage seven years later by insisting in a documentary that his views had not changed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• renew 
• revitalize 
• revive