What does seething mean?
Seething is an adjective and the present participle of seethe. Its literal sense describes a liquid that is boiling or churning vigorously, as in a seething cauldron. In figurative use, it describes a person or situation filled with intense anger, agitation, or barely contained emotion: someone may be seething with rage, while a crowd may be seething with excitement or unrest. The expression often suggests energy and turbulence rather than a quiet state. Although seething can describe general agitation, its association with anger is especially strong in modern English, and it is usually more emotionally charged than words such as boiling or simmering. Because it forms a vivid mental picture of heat, motion, and overflow, it is useful for showing that feelings or activity have reached a boiling point.
adjective (present participle of seethe)Boiling or churning vigorously, especially as a liquid. Figuratively, filled with intense anger, agitation, or barely contained emotion.
- Boiling or churning vigorously, especially as a liquid.
- Filled with intense anger, agitation, or barely contained emotion.
"The politician paused, visibly seething with anger, before continuing his remarks."
"A seething cauldron sat on the stove, sending clouds of steam into the kitchen."
"She remained outwardly calm, but she was seething with anger."
The word keeps the heat in the image: a seething crowd is not merely busy, but boiling over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seething come from?
The word descends from Old English sīþan, meaning “to boil” or “seethe.” Its root was Germanic, with related forms surviving in Dutch zieden, German sieden, and Swedish sjuda, all associated with boiling. The modern participial adjective developed from the older verb form, while figurative meanings for agitation and anger became established through extended figurative use.
Related word forms
How seething is actually used
Used as an adjective or the present participle of the verb seethe. The literal sense refers to vigorous boiling, while the figurative sense is especially associated with anger or agitation and can also describe a lively, turbulent crowd.
Easily confused with seething
“Seethe” is the verb, while “seething” is its present-participle and adjective form: a liquid seethes, and someone may be described as seething.