stokes
v.v. to make a feeling or a fire stronger. You use this when you want to describe adding fuel to a flame or making someone's emotions more intense.
v. to encourage or incite a strong emotion or tendency; to add fuel to a fire to keep it burning. Often used metaphorically in political or social contexts to describe the intensification of public sentiment.
The politician's speech stokes fear among the voters.
The recent rise in energy prices stokes concerns about the cost of living for many families this winter.
By refusing to address the rumors directly, the celebrity only stokes further speculation regarding the future of her career and her upcoming world tour.
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a fire or an abstract noun like 'fear', 'anger', or 'interest'.