English Explanatory Dictionary

kindle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To start (a fire) or light (a torch, a match, coals, etc.).
  2. To arouse or inspire (a passion, etc).
  3. To begin to grow or take hold.
noun
  1. A group of kittens.
verb
  1. To bring forth young; to give birth.
adj
  1. pregnant
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɪn.dəl/ en-us-kindle.ogg en-au-kindle.ogg

Word forms

kindle kindles kindling kindled in kindle

Etymology

From Middle English kyndelen, from Old Norse kynda (“to inflame”), from Proto-Germanic *kundijaną.

Synonyms

aflame alight conflagrate fire fire up ignite inflame kindle light light up set ablaze set afire set aflame set alight set fire set on fire torch arouse inspire animate awaken beghast leaven bright brighten cheer energize enliven enthuse exalt excite ginger ginger up invigorate inspirit jazz liven liven up perk up quicken spice spice up stimulate vitalise abet actuate goose light a fire under send sting bring about draw drive encourage egg on engender evoke foment goad grill

Antonyms

douse extinguish put out quench dampen

Related words

stoke burn combust

Derived words

enkindle kindle-coal kindle-fire kindler kindlewood kindling kindling point miskindle rekindle unkindled unkindling upkindle
This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.
Back to search All on K Russian dictionary Dahl dictionary