Seething - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word β€’ Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

'Seething' describes a state of intense but suppressed anger or agitation. Think of a pressure cooker about to explode πŸŒ‹ or someone trying to hold back their frustration in a meeting 😠. It implies a strong emotion that is barely contained. It's not just about anger; it can also apply to other intense emotions like jealousy or resentment. It's a more intense version of 'simmering'. Imagine a pot of water just below boiling point – that’s 'seething'.

Etymology

The word 'seething' comes from the Old English word 'seothen,' meaning 'to boil.' It originally referred to the bubbling action of boiling liquids. Over time, the meaning broadened to include intense emotions that are just below the surface. The connection to boiling suggests a build-up of pressure and a potential for explosive release. 'Seething' implies a state of inner turmoil.

Related Words

Examples

  • "He was seething with anger after the unfair decision."
  • "The crowd was seething with discontent."
  • "She tried to remain calm, but she was seething inside."
  • "The political situation was seething with tension."

Anecdote / Story

Remember Snape in 'Harry Potter'? He's often seething with resentment towards Harry. He rarely loses his cool completely, but you can always sense the anger simmering beneath the surface. Or think of the tension in 'Squid Game' right before a game starts. The players are seething with anxiety and desperation. It's like they might pop at any moment.

Encouragement

Want to describe intense but suppressed anger or agitation? Use 'seething' to convey the sense of barely contained emotion. It's a powerful word that will add depth to your descriptions! ✍️

πŸš€ Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

βœ… Daily word delivery βœ… Etymology & examples βœ… Interactive learning βœ… 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
πŸ“± Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial