rekindle

verb

re·​kin·​dle ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl How to pronounce rekindle (audio)
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

Examples of rekindle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lopez and Affleck have since rekindled their romance, and the couple married in 2022. Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023 Since then, a stint living in Miami, scattered trips to Spain and Latin America, and a few binges on Duolingo have rekindled my linguistic urges, this time for Spanish. Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023 The subpoenas to the president’s son and brother came as Republicans pushed to rekindle an impeachment inquiry that faced delays during the jockeying to select a new House speaker, a race that exposed fissures within the GOP conference. C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023 There is hope that Burns can help jumpstart those efforts, including rekindling the hostage diplomacy that faltered at the end of October. Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2023 Cuevas and Torres rekindled their efforts, traveling to Mexico to recruit doctors. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023 Two months later, Zolciak rekindled her relationship with the former NFL player and filed a motion to dismiss her petition. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023 When the fling with Wilson fizzled out, Strickland rekindled his relationship with Armstrong. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023 The latter message proves instructive: The couple warmly rekindle their affection for each other and eventually dance together through the empty airport. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rekindle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rekindle was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near rekindle

Cite this Entry

“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

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