verb
brood
To dwell anxiously or gloomily on something.
He broods over the argument instead of joining his friends.
Etymology
The figurative verb draws on a bird sitting over its eggs. A brooding person similarly remains mentally over one subject, repeatedly attending to it in a troubled mood.
More examples
- She spent the evening brooding about the missed opportunity.
- Try not to brood on every small mistake.
- He had brooded for days before finally discussing his worries.
Forms
brood · broods · brooded · brooding
Similar words
- ponder
- Can mean thoughtful consideration without the gloomy or anxious persistence.