stoke

STOHKverb

Meaning to add fuel to a fire; to stir up strong feelings

Memory hook STOKE it and the flames SOAR. Marcus adds another log to the campfire, and the flames leap high. He stokes the fire.

Grandpa stoked the campfire until the flames leaped high.

In context Every new rumor only stoked the town’s curiosity about the mysterious visitor, until people were lining up just to catch a glimpse of him.

Similar fuel, feed, fan, stir up

Opposite dampen, smother, calm

From Dutch stoken, “to feed a fire.”