v.
1. tr. light or set on fire (a flame, fire, substance, etc.).
2 intr. catch fire, burst into flame.
3 tr. arouse or inspire (kindle enthusiasm for the project; kindle jealousy in a rival).
4 intr. (usu. foll. by to) respond, react (to a person, an action, etc.) (kindle to his courage).
5 intr. become animated, glow with passion etc. (her imagination kindled).
6 tr. & intr. make or become bright (kindle the embers to a glow).
Derivatives:
kindler n.
Etymology: ME f. ON kynda, kindle: cf. ON kindill candle, torch