smoulder

[ smohl-der ]

verb (used without object)

1. smolder.

smoulder

/ ˈsməʊldə /

verb

1. to burn slowly without flame, usually emitting smoke
2. (esp of anger, etc) to exist in a suppressed or half-suppressed state
3. to have strong repressed or half repressed feelings, esp anger

noun

1. dense smoke, as from a smouldering fire
2. a smouldering fire

Other Words From

• un·smoulder·ing adjective
• un·smoulder·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoulder¹

C14: from smolder (n), of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Far from being perturbed by this prospect, Azi seemed excited at the thought that out of the smouldering ashes of democracy, new kings would emerge: corporate dictators ruling over their networked empires.

From BBC

Images released over the weekend of the devastation in the famous tourist town in Jasper National Park show homes and businesses smouldering and burned down to their foundations.

From BBC

"My best guess would be that there has been a smouldering fire inside a cavity from the night before," Jens Kastvig, a fire adviser at Copenhagen Fire Engineering, told Danish national broadcaster DR.

From BBC

The grass is smouldering before a marshal appears with a fire extinguisher to put it out completely.

From BBC

Pictures show huge flames bellowing from the roof of the luxury home, and later, the blackened, smouldering ruins.

From BBC

Related Words

• blaze
• boil
• rage