fuel
FYOO-uhl
/fjuːəl/
To sustain or inflame an emotion, argument, or situation.
Metaphorical use of providing energy to a fire. It suggests that the situation would die out if it weren't for this new 'fuel'.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'fouaile', which comes from 'focus' (hearth/fireplace). It moved from the literal wood in the fireplace to anything that keeps a 'fire' (like an argument) burning.
Word relationships
- stoke: Stoke specifically refers to tending a fire to keep it burning hot; fuel is the material that allows it to burn.
- dampen: Dampen means to make a feeling or situation less intense, like putting water on a fire.
Commonly confused with
- cause: Cause is the origin; fuel is what keeps it going after it has started.
Word family
- fuel (noun): Material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power.
Collocations
- fuel the fire
- fuel speculation
- fuel growth
Idioms & expressions
- add fuel to the fire
Example sentences
- "Misinformation on social media can fuel public anger and lead to civil unrest." Social media
- "The criticism he received only served to fuel his desire to succeed." Personal motivation
Memory hook
Think of throwing logs on a fire. If you fuel a debate, you are throwing 'verbal logs' into it. Fuel: Keep the fire burning.
When not to use
In formal scientific papers, use 'catalyze' or 'stimulate' unless you are literally talking about combustion.
Fun facts
- The word 'focus' originally meant 'fireplace' in Latin, which is why we 'focus' our attention like light through a lens to create heat.
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