sulk
UK: sʌlk | US: sʌlk
vi. to be silent, resentful, and withdrawn, often due to anger or disappointment
n. a mood or state of sulking
The word "sulk" originated in the late 18th century, likely derived from the obsolete English word "sulke," meaning "lazy" or "sluggish." Its deeper roots trace back to the Old English solcen (idle, slow), possibly influenced by Middle Low German sulken (to be slow). The modern sense of "silent resentment" emerged by association with passive, withdrawn behavior. Unlike many words with clear morphemes, "sulk" resists splitting due to its compact Germanic structure.
After losing the game, he went to his room to sulk.
She gave him a sulky glare but refused to speak.
The child sulked for hours when denied ice cream.
His sulk was obvious from the way he avoided eye contact.
Don’t sulk—tell me what’s bothering you.