Seething: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is quietly but intensely angry, often containing their anger just below the surface.

• She was seething with anger, but she didn't say a word during the meeting.
• He stood there, seething, as he watched his brother take all the credit for his work.

Describes a very high level of anger, almost to the point of rage; used when someone is extremely angry.

• The manager was furious when he discovered the significant error in the report.
• She was furious with her sister for forgetting her birthday.

A general term for feeling strong displeasure or hostility. It can be used in a wide range of situations.

• She was angry when she found out her friend had lied to her.
• He became angry after someone cut him off in traffic.

Used to describe someone who is extremely angry, often in a formal or official context. It implies a more controlled but intense anger.

• The customer was irate after waiting for an hour to be served.
• An irate letter was sent to the company, demanding an explanation for the poor service.

Used to describe a person who is extremely angry but tries to keep it inside. It can also refer to a place filled with intense activity or emotions.

• He was seething with anger after the unfair decision.
• The room was seething with excitement before the concert.

Typically describes a liquid that is heated to the point of reaching its boiling temperature. Can also refer to someone becoming very angry, often rapidly.

• The water started to boil after a few minutes on the stove.
• She felt her blood boil when she heard the insulting comment.

Refers to the formation of bubbles in a liquid or a person feeling a gradually increasing, but still contained, emotion or excitement.

• The soup began to bubble gently on the stove.
• He could feel the excitement bubble up inside him as the game began.

Used for cooking to describe heating a liquid just below boiling point. Can also describe keeping emotions (particularly anger) quietly restrained.

• Let the sauce simmer for ten minutes to blend the flavors together.
• She let her frustration simmer all day without saying a word.