smoulder
Americanverb (used without object)
verb
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to burn slowly without flame, usually emitting smoke
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(esp of anger, etc) to exist in a suppressed or half-suppressed state
-
to have strong repressed or half repressed feelings, esp anger
noun
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dense smoke, as from a smouldering fire
-
a smouldering fire
Other Word Forms
- unsmouldering adjective
- unsmoulderingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of smoulder
C14: from smolder (n), of obscure origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Once people realized that the authorities had not acted in their best interest, resentment began to smoulder.
From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2022
Much of the fire was doused by late on Sunday but authorities said the site will continue to smoulder in the coming days.
From Reuters • Aug. 8, 2021
According to filmmaker Paul Mothersole, who has studied the tragedy for 15 years, the film operator spotted a reel of nitrocellulose film which had begun to smoulder.
From BBC • Dec. 30, 2019
Yet the remnants of what just a generation ago were vast swathes of virgin rainforest still smoulder and flame.
From Economist • Sep. 10, 2015
But in the West the dying sun had set all the fume on fire, and now Mindolluin stood black against a burning smoulder flecked with embers.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
