set alight
Put to flame
To set alight is to cause something to catch fire, to ignite it: Someone set the building alight.
The phrase also works figuratively—a speech can set a crowd alight with enthusiasm, or a spark can set alight a controversy.
Interchangeable with set on fire, though set alight sounds slightly more literary.
Start a blaze
- torchHandheld burning light source
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- flameBurning gas made visible
- burnDamage by heat
light · combustion · matchstick · lighter · tinder · kindling · flint · fuse
Criminal deliberate burning
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- blazeIntense burning fire
- incinerationBurning waste to ash
torching · engulf · ravage · devastation · firebomb · immolate · raze · gutted
Guiding light source
- flareSudden bright burst
- bonfireLarge outdoor fire
- signal fireFlame for sending messages
- smoke signalsFlame-based distant messaging
torch · distress signal · lighthouse · flare gun · SOS · watchtower · ceremonial fire · vigil candle
Intensify emotion or irritation
- fire upExcite into readiness
- galvanizeStimulate into action
- energizeSupply with vitality
- awakenRouse from slumber
arouse · stir · animate · excite · electrify · enflame · burning desire · fan the flames
Fireplace floor area
- fireplaceIndoor structure for burning
- campfireOutdoor fire for gathering
- embersSmoldering fire remnants
- glowSteady, soft light
crackling fire · woodstove · fireside · bonfire · brazier · firepit · chimney · logs
Luminescence from burning wick
- torchlightIllumination from burning brand
- lanternEnclosed portable light
- firelightLight from flames
- lamplightIllumination from a lamp
glowing · flickering light · luminous · oil lamp · rushlight · taper · sconce · candelabra
kindle
Start a blaze
burn · light · combustion · matchstick · lighter · tinder · kindling · flint · fuse · firestarter
arson
Criminal deliberate burning
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- blazeIntense burning fire
incineration · torching · engulf · ravage · devastation · firebomb · immolate · raze · gutted · firestorm
beacon
Guiding light source
- flareSudden bright burst
- bonfireLarge outdoor fire
- signal fireFlame for sending messages
smoke signals · torch · distress signal · lighthouse · flare gun · SOS · watchtower · ceremonial fire · vigil candle · memorial flame
inflame
Intensify emotion or irritation
awaken · arouse · stir · animate · excite · electrify · enflame · burning desire · fan the flames · light a fire under
hearth
Fireplace floor area
- fireplaceIndoor structure for burning
- campfireOutdoor fire for gathering
- embersSmoldering fire remnants
glow · crackling fire · woodstove · fireside · bonfire · brazier · firepit · chimney · logs · toasty
candlelight
Luminescence from burning wick
- torchlightIllumination from burning brand
- lanternEnclosed portable light
- firelightLight from flames
lamplight · glowing · flickering light · luminous · oil lamp · rushlight · taper · sconce · candelabra · fire glow
set alightdarken
Diminish light in
dim · extinguish · turn off · black out · shut down
set alightcool down
Reduce temperature or intensity
freeze · chill · ice · refrigerate