schüren

The German word "schüren" is a verb meaning "to stoke" or "to stir up". The word can imply stirring up something like a fire ("ein Feuer schüren") by literally providing it with more fuel or air to burn more fiercely, and metaphorically refer to inciting emotions such as anger or excitement. Similar words in this context might be "anheizen" (to heat up) or "anfachen" (to fan or kindle), which both can have literal meanings related to fires but also may be used to describe intensifying emotions or conflict. "Schüren" tends to emphasize the act of deliberately exacerbating a situation, especially by increasing tensions or passions, whereas "anheizen" might be less about deliberate incitement and more about causing general excitation or aggravation. "Anfachen" focuses more narrowly on the initial or increased ignition or intensification of a situation or emotion.