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

Dry conditions, soaring temperatures around Bordeaux and afternoon winds threatened to rekindle the flames. — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, rekindled tensions in the Middle East — and the resulting rise in oil prices — dashed hopes that a June decline in inflation was the start of a sustained retreat. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

The Athletic reported in June Newcastle had rekindled their interest in James Trafford, but Leeds United have since agreed a £40m deal for the Manchester City goalkeeper. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Although their initial romance was short-lived, the two rekindled their relationship in 2012. — Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 27 July 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