sets alight

Verb

set alight (third-person singular simple present sets alight, present participle setting alight, simple past and past participle set alight)

1. (transitive) To cause (something) to begin to burn.

   Synonyms:

   ignite, kindle, aflame, alight, conflagrate, fire, fire up, inflame, enkindle, light

2. (figuratively, transitive) To arouse passion in (someone); to excite.
   • Each chapel had its saintly shrine, hung around with offerings; its picture above the altar, although closely veiled, if by any painter of renown; and its hallowed tapers, burning continually, to set alight the devotion of the worshippers.1860, Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Burial Chant”, in The Marble Faun: Or, The Romance of Monte Beni. […], volume I, Boston, Mass.: Ticknor and Fields, →OCLC, page 227

   Synonyms:

   ignite, inflame, kindle, rouse, animate, awaken, electrify, enflame, enkindle, enthrill