What is "feed the rumors"?

[Antonia123]

Hi! May I know what does "feed the rumors" mean in the following sentence?

"She will not feed the rumors and gossip."

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[bhaisahab]

She won't spread the rumours and make them grow.

 

[emsr2d2]

Am I the only person wondering whether "gossip" here is used as a verb or a noun?

She won't feed the rumours and she won't gossip.
She won't feed the rumours and she won't feed the gossip.

 

[tzfujimino]

How would you interpret the sentence if it were "she won't feed the rumours or gossip"?

 

[Barb_D]

Interesting point. In the end, it's the same meaning. You feed gossip by gossiping, I guess.

Or maybe you feed gossip by acting in a way that is gossip-worthy.

It was a point I missed.

 

[Tdol]

How would you interpret the sentence if it were "she won't feed the rumours or gossip"?

I don't think there's much difference- the result would be the same.