Kindle
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈkɪndl/
- Rhymes: -ɪndəl
Origin
From Old Norse kynda
Full definition of kindle
Noun
kindle
(plural kindles)- (obsolete) A group of kittens.A kindle of kittens.
Verb
- (transitive) To start (a fire) or light (a torch, a match, coals, etc.).
- 1898, J. Meade Falkner, Moonfleet Chapter 4And then it was that I first perceived the danger in which I stood; for there was no hope of kindling a light, and I doubted now whether even in the light I could ever have done much to dislodge the great slab of slate.
- 2013, Henry Petroski, Geothermal Energy, Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame.
- Please kindle a fire in the barbecue.
- (transitive, figuratively) To arouse or inspire (a passion, etc).He kindled an enthusiasm for the project in his fellow workers.
- (obsolete) To bring forth young; to give birth.
- HollandThe poor beast had but lately kindled.
Antonyms
- to start a fire: douse, extinguish
- to arouse: dampen