sulk

[ suhlk ]

See synonyms for: sulk sulked sulking sulks on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

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

a state or fit of sulking.
sulks, ill-humor shown by sulking: to be in the sulks.

Also sulker. a person who sulks.

Origin of sulk

First recorded in 1775–85; back formation from sulky

Other words from sulk

outsulk, verb (used with object)

Words Nearby sulk

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sulk in a sentence

The cop swiftly rebukes Bieber, who then goes off to cross his arms and sulk petulantly in a corner.
Watch Justin Bieber Try to Walk in a Straight Line After His DUI Arrest | Amy Zimmerman | February 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Every interaction with her was fraught lest she would throw a sulk or sink into a pout.
Karl Taro Greenfeld on His Novel “Triburbia,” Con Men, and Literary Success | Nick McDonell | August 9, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
If the Supreme Court overturns the health-care law, Democrats will be tempted to sulk and feel sorry for themselves.
Michael Tomasky: Democrats Should Come Out Swinging Against the Court | Michael Tomasky | June 24, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Some will go off and sulk, and their followers will stay home on Election Day.
The Tea Party vs. the GOP | Adam Clymer | January 26, 2010 | 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.
God Wills It! | William Stearns Davis

They sulk and pout, worse than humans, if one act wins more applause than another.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
Sadie did not often sulk, and he was grateful because she said nothing about what had happened on the previous night.
The Girl From Keller's | Harold Bindloss
He used to sulk for a week afterwards, avoiding Alan in the 'quarter' and ostentatiously burying himself in a group of boarders.
Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton Mackenzie
"Elvira can sulk for the rest of eternity, if she wants to," Mea said now without the slightest trace of sadness.
Maezli | Johanna Spyri

British Dictionary definitions for sulk

sulk

/ (sʌlk) /

verb

(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

(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
Also: sulker a person who sulks

Origin of sulk

C18: perhaps a back formation from sulky 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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