verb
kindle
KIHN-duhl
verb
1
To light or start a fire.
"He kindled the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs."
"It took several matches to kindle the damp wood."
2
To arouse or awaken a feeling, such as interest, hope, or passion.
"The teacher's enthusiasm kindled a love of science in her students."
How to Use Kindle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo light a fire, or to spark a feeling like interest or hope into life.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "Kindle," the trademarked Amazon e-reader — unrelated in meaning, just a brand name playing on the word.
Common pairings
kindle a fire
kindle interest
kindle hope
Word Forms
kindled past tense, kindled past tense, kindles plural, Kindles plural, kindles singular, kindles singular
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Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs.
Etymology
From Middle English kyndelen, borrowed from Old Norse kynda, "to light a fire."