kin•dle^*ˈkɪn dl(v.)-dled, -dling.

1. (v.t.)to start (a fire); cause (a flame or blaze) to begin burning.

2. to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).

3. to excite or arouse; stir up; set going.

4. to light up or make bright.

5. (v.i.)to begin to burn.

6. to become aroused or animated.

7. 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

1. (v.t.)(of animals, esp. rabbits) to bear (young).

   Category: Zoology

2. (v.i.)(of animals, esp. rabbits) to give birth.

   Category: Zoology

3. (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)