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Dictionary.com

fan the fire

VERB
incite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abet agitate arouse encourage exhort foment inflame inspire instigate motivate prompt provoke rouse set off spur trigger urge whip up
STRONG
activate actuate animate coax craze drive excite force forward further goad impel induce influence inspirit persuade prick promote push raise set solicit stimulate taunt
WEAK
egg on get to juice key up psych put up to stir up talk into work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block calm dampen depress deter discourage dissuade halt lull prevent quiet soothe stop tranquilize
STRONG
cease check deaden delay finish hinder impede repress suppress
WEAK
prohibit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rising incomes and household wealth, especially among upper-income families, are helping to fan the fire.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 5, 2025

However, the threat of thunderstorms through Monday could fan the fire and bring even more lightning as winds from the southwest push the fire to the north and east.

From Fox News • Jul. 20, 2021

Here's what Amazon should do to fan the fire: • Go head to head with Apple on a media tablet.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2010

And that would fan the fire for sure, get the pot boiling just when it had started to cool off.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

For hitherto he did but fan the fire, And kept it down that it might mount the higher.

From Hero and Leander by Marlowe, Christopher