sulk

[ suhlk ]

verb (used without object)

1. 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

1. a state or fit of sulking.
2. sulks, ill-humor shown by sulking:

   to be in the sulks.

3. Also sulker. a person who sulks.

sulk

/ sʌlk /

verb

1. 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

1. often plural a state or mood of feeling resentful or sullen

   he's got the sulks

   he's in a sulk because he lost the game

2. Alsosulker a person who sulks

Other Words From

• outsulk verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulk¹

First recorded in 1775–85; back formation from sulky

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulk¹

C18: perhaps a back formation from sulky ¹

Example Sentences

You are granted five minutes sulking time before raising your shoulders and saying, “It’s just sports,” so people know you are not a loser who cannot manage their emotions.

From Los Angeles Times

“You never want to sulk, like head down,” offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III said.

From Los Angeles Times

The closing argument appeared shortly after that, Will Smith blasting another weak pitch over the center field fence, one dugout dancing, the other one sulking — game over.

From Los Angeles Times

Liberals and the rest of the decent, non-bigoted majority sulk in exasperation.

From Salon

Like the majority of teenagers, Jack Draper could sometimes sulk on the tennis court.

From BBC

Related Words

• brood
• mope