sulk

[ suhlk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to remain silent or hold oneself aloof in a sullen, ill-humored, or offended mood:

   Promise me that you won't sulk if I want to leave the party early.

noun

1. a state or fit of sulking.
2. sulks, ill-humor shown by sulking:

   to be in the sulks.

3. Also sulker. a person who sulks.

sulk

/ sʌlk /

verb

1. intr to be silent and resentful because of a wrong done to one, esp in order to gain sympathy; brood sullenly

   the child sulked in a corner after being slapped

noun

1. often plural a state or mood of feeling resentful or sullen

   he's in a sulk because he lost the game

   he's got the sulks

2. Alsosulker a person who sulks

Other Words From

• outsulk verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulk¹

First recorded in 1775–85; back formation from sulky

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulk¹

C18: perhaps a back formation from sulky ¹

Example Sentences

The cop swiftly rebukes Bieber, who then goes off to cross his arms and sulk petulantly in a corner.

From The Daily Beast

Every interaction with her was fraught lest she would throw a sulk or sink into a pout.

From The Daily Beast

If the Supreme Court overturns the health-care law, Democrats will be tempted to sulk and feel sorry for themselves.

From The Daily Beast

Some will go off and sulk, and their followers will stay home on Election Day.

From The Daily Beast

Common prudence forced them to sulk all day in the stall of the khan, while Musa went forth to make his discoveries.

From Project Gutenberg

They sulk and pout, worse than humans, if one act wins more applause than another.

From Project Gutenberg

Sadie did not often sulk, and he was grateful because she said nothing about what had happened on the previous night.

From Project Gutenberg

He used to sulk for a week afterwards, avoiding Alan in the 'quarter' and ostentatiously burying himself in a group of boarders.

From Project Gutenberg

"Elvira can sulk for the rest of eternity, if she wants to," Mea said now without the slightest trace of sadness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brood
• mope