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

The couple — who rekindled their decades-old romance and married in 2022 — have been living apart but spending time together at events with their children. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024

The couple rekindled their romance after being spotted together for several public outings a decade later in 2023 and will welcome a child later this year. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 18 June 2024

Blanchard has since rekindled a relationship with former boyfriend Ken Urker. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 13 June 2024

Affleck’s three children, 18, 15, and 12, have bonded with Lopez’s two 16-year-old twins since the two rekindled their famous romance after 17 years apart and married in 2022. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1