Word Direct Answers

What does "kindle" mean?

Kindle: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.2. 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.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.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.
  4. 5.2. 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.

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