curdle
UK: ˈkɜː.dl̩ | US: ˈkɝː.dl̩
vt./vi. (of a liquid, especially milk) to separate into solid and liquid parts, forming lumps
vt./vi. (figuratively) to cause or undergo a reaction of shock or disgust
curdle = curd<clotted milk> + le<verb-forming suffix>
- curd: From Middle English curd, meaning "clotted milk," likely of Germanic origin.
- le: A frequentative or verb-forming suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action.
Etymology Origin:
The word curdle traces back to the 16th century, derived from curd (the thickened part of milk) combined with the suffix -le, which often implies a process or repeated action. The term originally described the natural separation of milk into solids (curds) and liquid (whey). Over time, it gained figurative use to describe reactions of shock or revulsion, metaphorically likening emotional "clotting" to the physical process.
The milk began to curdle when left out in the heat.
Lemon juice can curdle cream if added too quickly.
His cruel words made her stomach curdle with disgust.
The sauce will curdle if you don’t stir it constantly.
The sight of the accident curdled my blood.