fuel

Something that provides energy for a machine, a fire, or a living body.

• The car needs fuel.
• Food gives our bodies fuel for exercise.
• We carried extra fuel for the journey.

Common phrases: car fuel, fuel supply, fuel for something, nuclear fuel

Something that makes a feeling, activity, or situation stronger or keeps it going.

• The news provided fuel for debate.
• His silence gave fresh fuel to the rumours.
• Their complaints became fuel for further protests.

How to use it: fuel for something (The delay provided fuel for criticism.)

Similar words: stimulus, encouragement

Common phrases: fuel for speculation, fuel for anger, provide fuel

To supply energy to something or make a feeling or activity stronger.

• We stopped to fuel the boat.
• The shortage fuelled public anger.
• Strong demand is fuelling economic growth.

Similar words: power, feed

Common phrases: fuel an engine, fuel anger, fuel growth