KINDLING • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Kindling

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/kˈɪndlɪŋ/ Listen

verb

Kindle v. t. & v. i. To bring forth young. (Obs.) "The poor beast had but lately kindled."

Kindle v. t. (past & past part. kindled; pres. part. kindling)

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."

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." "Nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither." "Kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam." "Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire."

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

Kindle v. i.

1.

To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame. "When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

2.

(Fig.): To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated. "On all occasions where forbearance might be called for, the Briton kindles, and the Christian gives way."

noun

Kindling n.

1.

The act of causing to burn, or of exciting or inflaming the passions.

2.

Materials, easily lighted, for starting a fire, such as small twigs or paper; also used in the pl..

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Etymology of 'Kindling'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Kindling" Quotes from Famous Books

... mile from here is one I've had my eyes on ever since I began constructing the tank. I don't know who owns it, but it's such a ramshackle affair that he can't object to having it knocked into kindling wood for him. If he does holler, I can pay him for the damage done. So now for a barn, Ned, unless you're getting tired and want to ...

— Tom Swift and his War Tank - or, Doing his Bit for Uncle Sam • Victor Appleton

... sound of his name he turned. Theresa's eyes were kindling with excitement; he noticed the delicious abandon with which she threw back, with both hands, the masses of loose hair from her forehead—a gesture habitual with her in moments of sudden decision, and one that flashed unconsciously ...

— Captain Mansana and Mother's Hands • Bjoernstjerne Bjoernson

... maiden, as with dilating form and kindling eye she gathered up her robes. "I parley with thee no more. Thou art tenfold more detestable than the howling mob down yonder, intent on rapine and destruction. They know no better, and can no other. But thou, apt in speaking the sacred tongue yet brutally ignorant ...

— The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales • Richard Garnett

... with a worn, anxious face as one who had suffered much, the friar, holding aloft two pieces of wood from the Mount of Olives tied together in the form of a cross, harangued the crowd. His words poured forth in a fiery stream, kindling the hearts, and stirring at once the devotion and the anger of ...

— The Boy Knight • G.A. Henty

... cottage. There he is welcomed with respectful affection as the rector's son and Alma's former playmate. Afterwards she lights him to the gate, where a chance word of his evokes from her an innocent and unconscious betrayal of her secret love, kindling such strong response in him as he cannot conquer except by touching a letter in his breast- pocket. This letter is from Marion Everard, to whom he has ...

— The World's Greatest Books, Volume V. • Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton, Eds.

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