Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause to start burning; to ignite: To set something on fire or cause it to begin burning.
   • To arouse or inspire (an emotion, feeling, or response): To stimulate or bring forth a particular emotional or mental state.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To catch fire; to begin to burn: To start burning.
   • To become bright or animated: To light up or become excited, often used figuratively for eyes or expressions.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):

  • She used dry twigs to kindle the campfire. (She used dry twigs to start the campfire burning.)
  • The speaker's words kindled hope in the audience. (The speaker's words aroused hope in the audience.)
  • The sunset kindled the clouds with brilliant colors. (The sunset caused the clouds to glow with brilliant colors.)

• Verb (intransitive):

  • The dry leaves kindled quickly in the heat. (The dry leaves caught fire quickly in the heat.)
  • His eyes kindled with excitement when he saw the gift. (His eyes lit up with excitement when he saw the gift.)

Advanced Usage

• "To kindle interest/curiosity/passion": To stimulate or awaken a particular feeling or desire.

  • The museum exhibit kindled my curiosity about ancient history. (The museum exhibit awakened my curiosity about ancient history.)

• "To kindle a flame/fire": Literally, to start a fire. Figuratively, to start a process or emotion.

  • Their first meeting kindled a flame of friendship that lasted for years. (Their first meeting started a friendship that lasted for years.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kindling (n): Small, dry pieces of wood or other material used to start a fire.

  • We gathered kindling to start the fireplace.

• Rekindle (v): To revive or restart something, such as a fire, emotion, or relationship.

  • They managed to rekindle their old friendship.

Synonyms

• Ignite: To set on fire; to spark.
• Arouse: To evoke or awaken a feeling.
• Stimulate: To encourage or incite activity or development.
• Provoke: To stir up or call forth a reaction.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Kindle" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "To kindle a fire in someone's heart": To inspire strong passion or emotion in someone.
  • Her speech about justice kindled a fire in the hearts of the young activists. (Her speech about justice inspired strong passion in the young activists.)

Verb

1. call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
   • arouse pity
   • raise a smile
   • evoke sympathy
2. cause to start burning
   • The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds
3. catch fire
   • The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles