Sulk: meaning, definitions and examples

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sulk

[ sʌlk ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

emotional behavior

To sulk is to be silent and withdrawn, often in a morose or sullen manner, usually as a way of expressing displeasure or resentment. When someone sulks, they may deliberately avoid interaction with others and exhibit a pout or glum demeanor. This behavior is often seen in children but can be displayed by adults as well. Sulking can be a form of passive aggression, where an individual expresses dissatisfaction without openly addressing the issue.

Synonyms

brood, mope, pout.

Examples of usage

He sulked in his room after being scolded.
She tends to sulk when she doesn't get her way.
After the argument, he just sat there sulking.
Don't sulk; just talk to me about what's wrong.

Translations

Translations of the word "sulk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 murmurar

🇮🇳 नाराज़ होना

🇩🇪 schmollen

🇮🇩 merajuk

🇺🇦 поплакатися

🇵🇱 fochać się

🇯🇵 ふくれる

🇫🇷 faire la tête

🇪🇸 hacer pucheros

🇹🇷 somurtmak

🇰🇷 삐치다

🇸🇦 يعبس

🇨🇿 mračit se

🇸🇰 mračiť sa

🇨🇳 生气

🇸🇮 mumljati

🇮🇸 þreifing

🇰🇿 қапа болу

🇬🇪 ბრაზი

🇦🇿 narazilik

🇲🇽 hacer pucheros

Etymology

The word 'sulk' has its origins in late Middle English, where it was derived from the word 'sulked', meaning to lie sullenly or mope around. It is believed to have been influenced by the Old Norse word 'sulkr', which means a 'sullen man' or 'a person that sulks'. The transition from its earlier forms to the current usage reflects a deep-rooted cultural understanding of emotional withdrawal and displeasure. Over the centuries, 'sulk' has been adopted into everyday English language, often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe various moods of discontent and emotional retreat.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,534 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31531 clothier
31532 hustler
31533 formalizing
31534 sulk
31535 napalm
31536 embezzling
31537 undervaluation
...