# fuelled

/ˈfjuəɫd/ (US) · /fjˈuːəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fuelled
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

having a lot of energy or power because of something else. You use this to describe a situation that is growing or getting stronger because of a specific reason.

For teachers: stimulated, sustained, or intensified by a particular source or influence. Often used as a participial adjective to describe social or economic trends driven by specific factors.

## Examples

- The fire was fuelled by strong winds.
- The housing market boom was fuelled by low interest rates and a sudden increase in demand.
- Public outrage was fuelled by the leaked documents, which suggested that the administration had been aware of the environmental risks for several years before taking action.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The protest was fuelled from anger" but "The protest was fuelled by anger" — When describing the cause of an emotion or trend, 'fuelled' is almost always followed by the preposition 'by'.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb or appears in the passive voice; typically takes the preposition 'by'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.