Kindle

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkɪn.dəl/

Definitions

1. to ignite or set something on fire, or to arouse or inspire an emotion or feeling
2. to light a fire or cause combustion, as well as to evoke a strong emotional response or stimulate interest in a subject
3. to start a flame or incite passion, along with awakening curiosity or enthusiasm in an individual

Etymology: The verb "kindle" started out as a noun. In Middle English, "kyndel" referred to a fire, or the fuel and glowing material used to start one, and it was formed from the noun "kynde" (a word that also gave English "kind" in its older sense of nature or origin) with a small suffix. Only later was that noun turned into a verb meaning to set something alight, so the fire-starting sense came from the object itself rather than the other way round. The verb's deeper ancestry lies in Old Norse. The Old Norse verb "kynda" meant "to inflame," and it traces back to a Proto-Germanic root shared across the early Germanic languages. English drew on this Scandinavian family of words during the centuries of close contact with Norse speakers, which helps explain why the word feels so plain and physical. Its original sense was concrete, but the same verb soon extended to emotions, so people could kindle hope, anger or affection just as they could kindle a fire.

Synonyms: ignite, light, spark

Antonyms: extinguish, quench