Smolder: meaning, definitions and examples

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smolder

[ ˈsmoʊldər ]

^{Context #1}

in a fire

To burn slowly with smoke but no flame, often as a result of fire being extinguished

Synonyms

burn, char, glow

Examples of usage

The campfire began to smolder after we poured water on it
The embers continued to smolder for several hours

^{Context #2}

hidden emotions

To feel a strong emotion but not show it, especially anger or resentment

Synonyms

brew, fester, simmer

Examples of usage

She tried to hide her disappointment, but it continued to smolder inside her
His anger toward his boss continued to smolder for weeks

^{Context #3}

smoke

Smoke or fume emitted by something smoldering

Synonyms

fume, smoke, vapor

Examples of usage

The room was filled with the acrid smolder from the fire
He could smell the smolder of burning wood in the air

Translations

Translations of the word "smolder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fumegar

🇮🇳 सुलगना

🇩🇪 schwelen

🇮🇩 membara

🇺🇦 тліти

🇵🇱 tlić się

🇯🇵 くすぶる

🇫🇷 se consumer

🇪🇸 arder lentamente

🇹🇷 korlaşmak

🇰🇷 서서히 타다

🇸🇦 يتوهج

🇨🇿 doutnat

🇸🇰 tlieť

🇨🇳 闷烧

🇸🇮 tleti

🇮🇸 glóð

🇰🇿 шоқтану

🇬🇪 ტყვეობა

🇦🇿 alovlanmaq

🇲🇽 arder lentamente

Word origin

The word 'smolder' originated from the Middle English word 'smolderen', which means 'to suffocate'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of smoldering fire has been associated with slow burning and hidden emotions, giving rise to its figurative meanings over time.

See also: mold, molded, molder, molding, moldmaker, unmolded.