kindle

¹

[kin-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

[kin-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

/ 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

/ ˈkɪndəl /

noun

1. a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books

Other Word Forms

• kindler noun

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of kindle¹

C12: from Old Norse kynda, influenced by Old Norse kyndill candle

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

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

The pair of reality TV stars who kindled a romance last year on “Love Island” Season 6 have called it quits, The Times confirmed Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

A stint in Toronto kindled her desire to fly.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The medieval monuments that dotted Baharampur, the city he grew up in, kindled his interest in history and he pursued the subject in college.

From BBC

Related Words

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