smolder

Or smoul·der

[smohl-der]

verb (used without object)

1. to burn without flame; undergo slow or suppressed combustion.

2. to exist or continue in a suppressed state or without outward demonstration.

   Hatred smoldered beneath a polite surface.

3. to display repressed feelings, as of indignation, anger, or the like.

   to smolder with rage.

noun

1. dense smoke resulting from slow or suppressed combustion.

2. a smoldering fire.

smolder

/ ˈsməʊldə /

verb

1. the US spelling of smoulder

Other Word Forms

• unsmoldering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smolder¹

1275–1325; (noun) Middle English smolder smoky vapor, dissimilated variant of smorther smother; (v.) Middle English (as present participle smolderende ), derivative of the noun

Example Sentences

One review of Sheen’s brief appearance said he smolders.

From Salon

Maybe time had to work its magic to find a place where the baby face ended and the smolder began; they could not exist as one, though he certainly gave it the college try.

From Salon

The blaze has not grown in several days, but Cal Fire reported Thursday that “large fuels continue to smolder within the fire perimeter as firefighters work to construct control lines within steep, rugged terrain.”

From Los Angeles Times

That fire, which burned more than 54,000 LG battery modules, spewed toxic smoke into the air and smoldered for several days.

From Los Angeles Times

By July 12, it was a smoldering ruin.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boil 
• erupt 
• explode 
• fester 
• seethe