( intransitive, US) To burn with no flame and little smoke . The remains of the bonfire were left to smolder for hours. ( intransitive, figuratively) To show signs of repressed anger or suppressed mental turmoil or other strong emotion, such as passion. ( intransitive, figuratively) To exist in a suppressed or hidden state.

to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger She smoldered when first learning of her son's misbehavior at school, but had calmed down by the time he arrived home. to be on fire usually with smoke but few flames They look forward to those long summer nights telling stories beside a smoldering campfire. “Smolder.”