stew
UK: stjuː | US: stuː
n. a dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid
vt. to cook food slowly in liquid
vi. to undergo slow cooking in liquid
fig. to remain in a state of agitation or anxiety
The word "stew" traces back to Old French estuver, meaning "to steam or bathe," which itself likely derives from Vulgar Latin extūfāre (a blend of Latin ex- "out" + tūfus "steam," from Greek typhos "vapor"). The culinary sense emerged in Middle English (14th century), reflecting the slow, moist cooking method. The figurative sense of "mental agitation" (e.g., "stewing over a problem") arose in the 19th century, metaphorically linking prolonged heat with sustained worry.
She prepared a hearty beef stew for dinner.
Let the vegetables stew in the broth for two hours.
He’s been stewing about the argument all day.
The chef recommends stewing the lamb with red wine.
Don’t let your anger stew—talk to them directly.