fuel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A substance such as wood, coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power.

   Cars need fuel to run.

2. 2
   verb

   To supply something with fuel.

   They stopped to fuel the car before the long drive.

3. 3
   noun

   Something that makes a feeling or situation stronger.

   His angry words were fuel for the argument.

4. 4
   verb

   To make something stronger or more active.

   The new report fueled the debate about climate change.

From Middle English fuayle, from Old French fouaille, feuaille (“firewood, kindling”), from feu (“fire”), from Late Latin focus (“fire”), from Latin focus (“hearth”), whence English focus. Cognate with Spanish fuego (“fire”), and Portuguese fogo (“fire”).

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