smolder
UK[ˈsməʊldə(r)]US[ˈsmoʊldər]
v
to burn slowly with smoke but no flame
v
to exist in a suppressed or hidden state, often of a strong emotion
Etymology
the verb 'smolder' originates from middle english 'smolderen', which meant to suffocate or smother with smoke. this middle english term is believed to be a frequentative form derived from the adjective 'smold', meaning stifling or smoky, which itself has old english roots. the core semantic thread connects the concept of smoke and suffocation to the modern meanings of a fire burning without flame or an emotion being suppressed. the spelling stabilized to 'smolder' in modern english, though 'smoulder' is a common british variant.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. its spelling and form have been influenced by its function as a verb describing a specific type of burning.
Examples
the campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.
resentment can smolder for years before finally erupting into open conflict.
investigators found several piles of rubbish that were still smoldering.