fanned

Everyday

1. Moved air towards something or someone with a fan or with your hand, to cool it down. tree →
2. Made a fire burn more strongly by blowing air on it. tree →
3. (fanned out) Spread out from one point in the shape of an open fan. tree →
4. Made a feeling stronger, as in «fanned the flames» of anger. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday and story word: «she fanned herself», «fanned the flames», «the searchers fanned out». In Alice in Wonderland Alice fans herself with the White Rabbit's fan and starts to shrink. In science, air fanned onto a fire brings oxygen and makes it burn hotter.

Examples

• Alice fanned herself with the White Rabbit's fan and began to shrink. tree →
• Grandma fanned her face in the heat. tree →
• He fanned the campfire until it blazed. tree →
• The search party fanned out across the field. tree →
• The peacock fanned its beautiful tail. tree →
• Angry words only fanned the quarrel. tree →
• The cards were fanned out on the table. tree →
• When he came back he fanned the embers of his fire again and warmed himself. tree →

Note

«fan» doubles the n: fanned, fanning. «Fanned out» = spread in a fan shape. Safety: fanning a fire makes it bigger, so never fan a fire indoors. The noun «fan» also means a keen supporter (a football fan) — not related to this verb's meaning.