What does rekindle mean?
Rekindle means to make something burn again or, more commonly, to revive a feeling, interest, or connection that has weakened. The phrase “rekindle interest” is especially frequent: a lecture, article, or event may rekindle curiosity about a subject that had become dull or forgotten. In personal contexts, people may rekindle a friendship, an old romance, or memories of a shared experience. The word carries a slightly literary and purposeful tone, suggesting that enthusiasm or emotional energy is being renewed rather than merely continued. Its literal use is less frequent but understandable: rekindling a fire means lighting it again. Overall, rekindle is useful because it captures the deliberate restoration of something that had faded without implying that it has completely disappeared.
verbTo kindle something again, especially a feeling, interest, or activity that has faded or stopped. It can also refer literally to setting something alight again.
- To restore or revive an emotion, interest, relationship, or activity that has diminished.
- To set alight again or cause something to catch fire again.
"The documentary rekindled her interest in the history of the region."
"The reunion rekindled their friendship."
"The dry brush could rekindle quickly if a spark were to reach it."
To rekindle is to bring renewed energy to something that had faded, just as a flame can be lit again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rekindle come from?
The word combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with kindle, an inherited English verb meaning “to set alight” or “to arouse.” Kindle developed through Middle English from Old English cindel, associated with a small flame or fire. The formation rekindle therefore literally means “to kindle again,” and by extension “to revive or arouse again.”
Related word forms
How rekindle is actually used
The word is most often used figuratively for renewed interest, enthusiasm, or relationships. It is formal but widely understood in British and American English.
Easily confused with rekindle
No commonly confused word is sufficiently distinct from this headword to include.