simmer

[ sim-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to cook or cook in a liquid at or just below the boiling point.
2. to make a gentle murmuring sound, as liquids cooking just below the boiling point.
3. to be in a state of subdued or restrained activity, development, excitement, anger, etc.:

   The town simmered with rumors.

verb (used with object)

1. to keep (liquid) in a state approaching boiling.
2. to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point.

noun

1. the state or process of simmering.

verb phrase

1. 1. to reduce in volume by simmering.
   2. Slang. to become calm or quiet, as from a state of anger or turmoil:

      We waited for the audience to simmer down.

simmer

/ ˈsɪmə /

verb

1. to cook (food) gently at or just below the boiling point
2. intr to be about to break out in rage or excitement

noun

1. the act, sound, or state of simmering

Other Words From

• simmer·ing·ly adverb
• re·simmer verb
• un·simmered adjective
• un·simmer·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of simmer¹

First recorded in 1645–55; alteration of earlier simper < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of simmer¹

C17: perhaps of imitative origin; compare German summen to hum

Synonym Study

See boil ¹.

Example Sentences

Downplaying Trump’s incendiary threats of violence until just a few weeks before the election, provided both tacit and explicit sanction to xenophobic, racist and authoritarian impulses that have long simmered in the American undercurrent.

From Salon

But beneath that is a simmering anger about ministers’ perceived ignorance about the countryside - and a sense from many farmers of being persistently let down, by this government and its predecessors.

From BBC

Nothing much happens by way of action, yet unspoken tensions simmer under the surface, and by the movie’s surprising end, you sense that a tremendous transformation has quietly taken place.

From New York Times

David Rooney was less favourable about Mescal's performance and called it "a tad flat at times" with his emotional range "sticking mostly to the same notes of brooding intensity and simmering rage".

From BBC

Among the votes who aren’t zeroed in on those sources simmers a profound sense of disconnectedness or any inkling that the election mattered at all.

From Salon

Related Words

• bubble
• burn
• churn
• ferment
• rage
• seethe
• stew
• stir
• warm