spark

spark1 [ spark ] verb *

1. ) intransitive or transitive MAINLY JOURNALISM to make something happen, especially something involving violence or angry feelings:

The protests were sparked by the firing of two restaurant employees.

The trial sparked off widespread rioting in London.

a ) to make someone feel, think of, or remember something:

Their growing reputation had sparked interest from other moviemakers.

Your article sparked off happy memories for me.

2. ) transitive to start a fire or explosion:

A faulty electric blanket sparked a fire in one of the bedrooms.

a ) intransitive to produce sparks

spark

spark 2 [ spark ] noun

▸ 1 something small and burning

▸ 2 electric flash of light

▸ 3 something lively and original

▸ 4 short expression of something

▸ 5 cause of something

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count a very small piece of burning material:

A log fell, sending a shower of sparks up the chimney.

2. ) count a flash of light caused by electricity:

an electric spark

3. ) count or uncount the quality of being lively and original:

The performance was short on spark and creativity.

4. ) singular a short feeling or expression of something:

A tiny spark of anger flared within her.

5. ) singular MAINLY JOURNALISM something that starts a series of events or a process

sparks fly

if sparks fly, people argue in an angry way:

Sparks flew when both sides of the family got together.