set afire

• Mettre le feu à quelque chose pour qu'il commence à brûler ; enflammer ou allumer. Peut aussi s'employer au sens figuré pour évoquer le fait d'exciter ou de susciter de fortes émotions.

To cause something to begin burning; to ignite or set on fire. Can also be used figuratively to mean to excite or inflame strong emotions.

1. Ignite or cause to burnB2formal

   To cause something to start burning; to set on fire.

   Mettre le feu

   • The arsonist set the building afire.
   • He accidentally set the curtains afire with a candle.
   • The dry grass was easily set afire by the lightning strike.

2. Intensify emotions or excitementB2informal

   To cause a strong emotional reaction, such as passion, anger, or excitement.

   Enflammer (les passions)

   • Her speech set the crowd afire with enthusiasm.
   • The news set his imagination afire.
   • The rivalry between the teams set the stadium afire with energy.