kindle Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb catch fire
inflame.
- The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles
verb cause to start burning
inflame; enkindle; conflagrate.
- The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds
verb call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
raise; fire; enkindle; elicit; arouse; evoke; provoke.
- arouse pity
- raise a smile
- evoke sympathy

OE. kindlen, cundlen. See Kind.

To bring forth young. Obs. Shak.
The poor beast had but lately kindled. Holland.

Icel. kyndill candle, torch; prob. fr. L. candela; cf. also Icel. kynda to kindle. Cf. Candle.

imperfect & past participle Kindled ; present participle & verbal noun Kindling

To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to ignite; to cause to begin burning; to start; to light; as, to kindle a match, or shavings.
His breath kindleth coals. Job xii. 21.
Fig.: To inflame, as the passions; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action; to heat; to fire; to animate; to incite; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to kindle the flame of love, or love into a flame.
So is a contentious man to kindle strife. Prov. xxvi. 21.

Nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither. Shak.

Kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam. Milton.

Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire. Dryden.
Syn. -- Enkindle; light; ignite; inflame; provoke; excite; arouse; stir up.

To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame.
When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Is. xliii. 2.
Fig.: To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated.
On all occasions where forbearance might be called for, the Briton kindles, and the Christian gives way. I. Taylor.