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

• reanimate
• recharge
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• renew
• resurrect
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify
• rewake
• rewaken

Examples of rekindle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, some of you might rekindle an old romance. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Fans rekindle excitement with successful seasons in ‘21-‘22 and ‘22-‘23. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024

Ashanti and Nelly rekindled their romance last year after previously dating for 10 years from 2003. —Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

Lynne, who went on to become one of the leading studio producers in rock, rekindled the ELO legacy in 2018 with a tour that included an LCA date, the group’s first in Michigan since the early ’80s. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 18 Mar. 2024

In Iraq and Syria, the Gaza conflict rekindled a long-simmering campaign by Iranian proxy groups to inflict damage on U.S. forces. —Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024

After Damian broke up with Giannina at the altar (and Giannina muddied her dress by dramatically sprinting out of the ceremony), the couple briefly rekindled their relationship but broke up in August 2021 as rumors swirled about Damian dating Too Hot to Handle’s Francesca Farago. —Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024

He’s rekindled both of those careers, at least in part. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024

Then and Now While their onscreen reunion as the burger-slinging duo was a long time coming, the pair had to rekindle their friendship after growing distant as adults. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1