Definitions for kindleˈkɪn dl

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

kin•dle^*ˈkɪn dl(v.)-dled, -dling.

(v.t.)to start (a fire); cause (a flame or blaze) to begin burning.
to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).
to excite or arouse; stir up; set going.
to light up or make bright.
(v.i.)to begin to burn.
to become aroused or animated.
to become bright or glowing.

^* Syn: kindle , ignite , inflame literally mean to set something on fire. To kindle is to cause something gradually to begin burning; it is often used figuratively: to kindle logs; to kindle someone's interest. To ignite is to set something on fire with a sudden burst of flame; it also has figurative senses: to ignite straw; to ignite dangerous hatreds. inflame is most often used figuratively, meaning to intensify, excite, or rouse: to inflame passions.

Origin of kindle:

1150–1200; ME < ON kynda; cf. ON kindill torch, candle

kin′dler(n.)

kin•dleˈkɪn dl(v.; n.)-dled, -dling

(v.t.)(of animals, esp. rabbits) to bear (young).
Category: Zoology
(v.i.)(of animals, esp. rabbits) to give birth.
Category: Zoology
(n.)a litter of kittens, rabbits, etc.
Category: Zoology

Origin of kindle:

1175–1225; ME kindelen, der. of kindel offspring, young (OE gecynd offspring; see kind2)

Princeton's WordNet

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

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

kindle(verb)ˈkɪn dl
to inspire or encourage
What kindled her interest in reading?
kindleˈkɪn dl
to start a fire burning
to kindle a fire

Wiktionary

kindle(Noun)
A collective term for a group of kittens.
A kindle of kittens.
kindle(Verb)
To start (a fire) or light (a torch).
Please kindle a fire in the barbecue.
kindle(Verb)
To arouse or inspire (a passion, etc).
He kindled an enthusiasm for the project in his fellow workers.

Origin: From kynda

Webster Dictionary

Kindle(u)
to bring forth young
Kindle(verb)
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
Kindle(verb)
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
Kindle(verb)
to take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame
Kindle(verb)
fig.: To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated