kindle

¹

[ kin-dl ]

verb (used with object)

, kin·dled, kin·dling.

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)

, kin·dled, kin·dling.

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)

, kin·dled, kin·dling.

1. (of animals, especially rabbits) to bear (young); produce (offspring).

verb (used without object)

, kin·dled, kin·dling.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈkindler, noun

Other Words From

• kindler 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

They became so popular on Kindle Unlimited that she made it to the New York Times bestseller list on her own before she was picked up by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

From Los Angeles Times

Aaron Kindle, National Wildlife Federation director of sporting advocacy, said environmental pushes can make legislators nervous, especially during a big election year.

From Seattle Times

“Conservation, for those of us who’ve been in it for a long time, is an interesting game,” Kindle said.

From Seattle Times

“No matter who’s president or who’s in Congress, the value is still here,” Kindle said.

From Seattle Times

My fall-asleep routine always, inviolably, involves reading either a physical or Kindle book.

From New York Times

Related Words

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