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 sulker. 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. Also: sulker. a person who sulks

Other Word Forms

• outsulk 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

“Instead of sulking on, ‘Well, I tried this and it failed, now I don’t know where to go,’ I just used it as positive things, and eventually turned.”

From Los Angeles Times

It comes from the Welsh pwdu, meaning to sulk, which itself originated with the English word pout, combined with the Welsh verb-forming suffix -u.

From BBC

One such scene in the premiere smash cuts between a lonesome Chris sulking by himself at home.

From Salon

Nine months later, after the New Year's Eve party where Joel messes up again by trying to defend Ellie, he excuses himself to sulk with Ellie’s guitar on his porch.

From Salon

Does a job for the team, got stitched up last week for getting sent off but he didn't sulk about it, he goes and gets a goal.

From BBC

Related Words

• brood 
• mope