Entry Word: boil

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger <she was boiling at the thought of her so-called best friend trying to steal her boyfriend>

Synonyms burn, fume, rage, seethe, steam

Related Words fulminate, rant, rave; smolder; bristle, flare (up); chafe, fret, stew; agitate, convulse, shake; disturb, perturb, upset

2 to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam <boil the potatoes very well before you try to mash them>

Synonyms coddle, parboil, poach, simmer, stew

Related Words scald; braise, fricassee, pressure-cook, steam; reboil

3 to be in a state of violent rolling motion <the sea boiled and frothed during the storm> — see seethe 1