1. burned slowly without flame, producing smoke
Usage: past tense of smolder
2. showed suppressed anger, resentment, or other strong emotion
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The campfire smoldered for hours after we put it out.
• Cigarette butts smoldered in the ashtray.
• The ruins smoldered long after the fire was extinguished.
• She smoldered with anger at the unfair treatment.
• His resentment smoldered beneath a calm exterior.
• The conflict smoldered for years before erupting into war.