smolder

smol·der

intransitive verb \ˈsmōl-dər\

smol·dered or smoul·deredsmol·der·ing or smoul·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of SMOLDER

1

a : to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke

b : to be consumed by smoldering —often used with out

2

: to exist in a state of suppressed activity <hostilities smoldered for years>

3

: to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy <eyes smoldering with hate>

Variants of SMOLDER

smol·der or smoul·der \ˈsmōl-dər\

Examples of SMOLDER

1. The remains of the campfire smoldered.
2. Her eyes smoldered with anger.
3. Anger smoldered in my heart.

Origin of SMOLDER

Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smōlen to smolder

First Known Use: 1529

Rhymes with SMOLDER

boulder, folder, holder, molder, polder, scolder, shoulder