1. (

• kindle ,
• inflame ,

) catch fire; "The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles" ;

2. (

• kindle ,
• enkindle ,
• conflagrate ,
• inflame

) cause to start burning; "The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds" ;

3. (

• arouse ,
• elicit ,
• enkindle ,
• kindle ,
• evoke ,
• fire ,
• raise ,
• provoke

) call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy" ;