German word

entfachen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈfaxən/

Meaning

  • verbspark

Example

Seine Rede entfachte großes Interesse bei den Zuhörern.

His speech sparked great interest among the listeners.

Illustration for entfachen (spark)

More examples

Die Bilder in den Medien entfachten schnell Wut gegen die Zustände.

The images in the media quickly stirred up anger against the conditions.

Core concept

A gust turns hidden embers into a lively flame, or makes a dormant reaction flare up.

Common phrases

  • Wut entfachen

    stir up anger

  • Solidarität entfachen

    stir up solidarity

Similar words

anregen: To encourage fresh ideas or discussion to develop.
auslösen: To trigger a reaction or event.
wecken: To awaken attention or interest that has lain dormant.
entzünden: To set a fire or flame alight.

Definition in German

ein transitives Verb, mit dem man Gefühle, Interesse oder Streit hervorruft oder bereits vorhandene Reaktionen verstärkt.

Word origin

Entfachen combines the prefix ent- with older German fachen, meaning "to fan or kindle," and extends the fire image to feelings, interest, and conflict.

Usage tips

  • Entfachen is transitive and takes an accusative object, as in "eine Debatte entfachen" for "to ignite a debate."

Other meanings

  • igniteverb

Opposites

Related words

  • entfachendinflammatoryadjective
  • Entfachungkindlingnoun

Word lists with this word