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

the trip to Ireland rekindled her interest in learning Gaelic

Recent Examples on the Web

Old friends might reappear to rekindle relationships. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2024

It is believed that during this trip, Diana and Dodi Fayed rekindled their relationship, which soon turned romantic, despite Dodi's engagement to another woman at the time. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024

Lopez and Affleck married after rekindling a high-profile love affair that first played in the early 2000s when both were up-and-coming new stars. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024

The Biden administration today is taking new steps to make insurers cover mental health on a par with physical health, rekindling a fight with health plans that say such requirements are unworkable amid a shortage of providers. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1