smoulder

[smohl-der]

verb (used without object)

1. smolder.

smoulder

/ ˈsməʊldə /

verb

1. to burn slowly without flame, usually emitting smoke

2. (esp of anger, etc) to exist in a suppressed or half-suppressed state

3. to have strong repressed or half repressed feelings, esp anger

noun

1. dense smoke, as from a smouldering fire

2. a smouldering fire

Other Word Forms

• unsmouldering adjective
• unsmoulderingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoulder¹

C14: from smolder (n), of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Aerial video from the scene showed charred debris, smouldering vehicles and little remaining of the facility but rubble.

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Aerial video from the scene showed charred debris, smouldering vehicles and little remaining of the facility, which is owned by Accurate Energetic Systems.

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The novels of Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died at the age of 88, are joyous descriptions of a fantasy world where monied men cast smouldering glances and women are instantly aroused.

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Rescue workers were clambering over the rubble – some of it was still smouldering.

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Terence Stamp's dashing good looks and smouldering glare made him a star of 1960s cinema.

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Related Words

• blaze 
• boil 
• rage