Kindle \Kin`dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Kindled; p. pr. & vb. n. Kindling.]

[Icel. kyndill candle, torch; prob. fr. L. candela; cf. also Icel. kynda to kindle. Cf. Candle.]

1. 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. 21.

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. 21.

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.

Syn: Enkindle; light; ignite; inflame; provoke; excite; arouse; stir up.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)