This is the 8512th most frequent French word.
alimenter
To supply, feed, or provide.
Here, 'alimenter' is used in the literal sense of 'feeding' or 'supplying something to sustain an activity or process.
Il faut alimenter le feu avec du bois sec.
You need to feed the fire with dry wood.
'Alimenter' is used metaphorically here to mean 'to provide resources or support' necessary for continuation or success of something.
Le projet est alimenté par des fonds privés.
The project is funded by private funds.
'Alimenter' is employed to express the act of 'fueling or exacerbating' a situation or emotion, showing an indirect or figurative use.