noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
passing the flame; lighting from a larger flame
Literal act of transferring fire, e.g., lighting a torch or candle from an existing flame. Often used in ceremonial or practical contexts.
聖火リレーでランナーがトーチに分火した。
In the torch relay, the runner passed the flame to the torch.
ろうそくから別のろうそくに分火する。
Light another candle from the first one.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
Figurative extension: an idea, sentiment, movement, or practice spreads from one source to others, like a flame being passed. Often used with abstract subjects such as 運動, 考え, or 流行.
その抗議運動は全国に分火した。
The protest movement spread nationwide.
彼の提案が社内で分火し、新しいプロジェクトが始まった。
His proposal caught on within the company, and a new project started.