set alight

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

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

   Synonyms: ignite, kindle; see also Thesaurus:kindle

2. (figuratively) To arouse passion in (someone); to excite.

   Synonyms: ignite, inflame, kindle, rouse; see also Thesaurus:thrill

   • 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:

     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.

• alightest, last eight, tea lights, tea-lights, tealights