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smolder

verb

/ˈsməʊldə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of smolder

To burn slowly, characterized by the emission of smoke or heat without any visible flames.
"The embers continued to smolder long after the fire had been extinguished."

Detailed meaning of smolder

When something smolders, it burns slowly and without a flame, often creating a sense of tension or unease, as the potential for a sudden flare-up or explosion is always present. Smoldering can occur in a wide range of materials, such as wood, coal, or organic matter, and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as insufficient oxygen or the accumulation of heat. The term "smolder" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or emotion that is being suppressed or held back, but which could potentially erupt or become more intense at any moment. Overall, the term "smolder" implies a sense of slow, suppressed, and potentially dangerous activity, often characterized by heat, smoke, or a sense of tension or unease.

Example sentences containing smolder

1. Ashen logs smolder, heat veiled in whispering wisps of smoke, silent yet alive.
2. In darkness, woods smolder, a dance of heat and light, unseen but deeply felt.
3. Among ruins, emotions akin to coals smolder, radiating an invisible warmth.
4. Charred dreams smolder, echoing heat's silent song, a dance of memory.
5. Cold eyes, yet beneath the surface, intense passions smolder silently.
6. Shadows cast by the moon watch the earth smolder, a silent heat emanating.

History and etymology of smolder

The verb 'smolder' has its etymological roots in Middle English. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'smolderen,' which meant 'to smother' or 'to suffocate.' Over time, 'smolder' came to describe the slow, low-temperature combustion of materials characterized by the emission of smoke or heat without any visible flames. It suggests a fire that is burning beneath the surface, often hidden from view but capable of flaring up if given the right conditions. 'Smolder' conveys a sense of latent energy or emotion held in check, ready to ignite when circumstances allow. This word is often used metaphorically to describe hidden or suppressed feelings, tensions, or conflicts that may resurface or intensify over time.

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Further usage examples of smolder

1. Beneath the grey ash, intense heat continues to smolder, unseen and unfelt.
2. Walls, blackened by time, conceal hearts that still smolder, unquenched.
3. In the chilling night, under the pale moon, the remnants smolder softly.
4. Beneath the star’s gaze, ancient rocks smolder, concealing the fire within.
5. The forest’s soul, though silent and still, continues to smolder, unabated.
6. The volcano began to smolder, a sign of an impending eruption.
7. The cigar continued to smolder in the ashtray, filling the room with smoke.
8. The anger between the two rivals continued to smolder, threatening to ignite at any moment.
9. The dry leaves in the yard began to smolder from the heat of the sun.
10. The old building began to smolder as the fire took hold.
11. The charcoal briquettes began to smolder, ready to be used for grilling.
12. The smokestacks of the factory continued to smolder, releasing toxic fumes into the air.
13. The hatred in his heart continued to smolder, despite his attempts to let it go.
14. The campfire continued to smolder even after everyone had gone to bed.
15. The anger in his eyes seemed to smolder, ready to explode at any moment.
16. The cigarette butt left in the ashtray began to smolder.
17. The embers of the fireplace began to smolder as the logs burned out.
18. The volcano's lava caused the vegetation to smolder and eventually catch fire.
19. The conflict between the two rival gangs continued to smolder beneath the surface.
20. The discarded fireworks ignited the grass, causing it to smolder and release smoke.
21. The dry leaves on the ground began to smolder after a cigarette was carelessly tossed aside.
22. The anger in his heart continued to smolder, fueling his desire for revenge.
23. The abandoned campsite had evidence of a fire that had been left to smolder.
24. The cigarette stub landed on the carpet and started to smolder, filling the room with smoke.