# rekindle

/ɹiˈkɪndəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪkˈɪndəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rekindle
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to start a fire again or to make a feeling or relationship strong and active once more.

For teachers: to reignite a fire or to revive a dormant feeling, relationship, or interest. Often used figuratively to describe the restoration of emotional or social connections.

## Examples

- They tried to rekindle their friendship after years apart.
- The couple decided to go on a trip together to see if they could rekindle their romance.
- The recent success of the local theater group has done much to rekindle the community's interest in the arts after a decade of decline.

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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.