fuel
UK: ˈfjuːəl | US: ˈfjuːəl
n. a material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power
vt. to supply with or power by fuel
vi. to stimulate or sustain (e.g., emotions or conflict)
The word "fuel" originates from Old French fouaille (firewood), derived from Latin focālis (pertaining to the hearth), from focus (hearth, fireplace). The morpheme fue reflects the core concept of fire, while the suffix -l is a vestigial ending from its Old French form. Over time, "fuel" expanded from literal combustible materials to metaphorical uses (e.g., "fueling debate").
The airplane requires jet fuel to operate.
Rising prices fueled public anger.
Wood was the primary fuel for heating in medieval times.
The controversy was fueled by misinformation.
Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels.