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.