■ noun
1》 material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power.
↘food, drink, or drugs as a source of energy.
2》 something that acts to sustain or inflame passion, argument, or other intense emotion.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 supply or power with ~.
2》 sustain or inflame: his lacklustre performance ~led speculation about his future as leader.
Origin
ME: from OFr. fouaille , based on L. focus 'hearth' (in late L. 'fire').