rekindle

verb

re·​kin·​dle ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl 

rekindled; rekindling

1

transitive : to kindle (something) again

rekindle a fire

On the way the torch went out, and we took shelter in a small and lonely Christian chapel to rekindle it.

—Robert Louis Stevenson

: to start or stir up (something) again

The couple appeared to rekindle their romance, exchanging loving messages promising to try to make the relationship work again …

—Sarah Ward

"… You get a chance to meet up with people and rekindle memories … "

—Paul O'Connell

Its election offered an example of how to rekindle interest in politics …

—Vrasidas Karalis

Her story is one of those great stories of love, commitment and perseverance that rekindle your hope for humanity …

—Kimberly Fletcher

2

intransitive : to begin to burn again : to flare up again

Firefighters were called back to the scene around 6 a.m. when the flames rekindled.

—Mike Hasch

Synonyms of rekindle

• revive
• resurrect
• renew

Examples of rekindle in a Sentence

the trip to Ireland rekindled her interest in learning Gaelic

Recent Examples on the Web

The first drink at five o’clock, the sting of a wandering eye, girls commiserating in the bathroom over their relationships, the loneliness, the escapism, the hope of rekindling a love that’s nearly burned out, and the wild fun of it all. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026

Dubbed the Ovolo, the oddball construction was utilized for both low-tops (with several material makeups) and boots and is now set for a revision amid the rekindling sneaker heel trend. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Whether rekindling memories of a grandmother’s cooking or introducing someone to their first spoonful of Sofrito, Loisa aims to make the kitchen a place for confidence, creativity and connection. — Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2026

Look for opportunities to try rekindling creative practices from your childhood. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rekindle

• brindle
• dwindle
• grindal
• grindle
• kindle
• spindle
• swindle
• windle