Stewing

Stewing describes a state of being in a state of worry, anger, or frustration, often over a prolonged period. It implies a passive form of dealing with these emotions, where one dwells on the negative feelings and allows them to simmer without taking decisive action to resolve the underlying issue. stewing can manifest as brooding, fretting, or simmering with resentment, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and potential negative impact on mental well-being and relationships. It often involves repeatedly replaying upsetting events or scenarios in one's mind, feeding the emotional turmoil. The term also relates to the culinary practice of slow-cooking food in liquid, reflecting the slow, drawn-out nature of the emotional process. This extended emotional boiling point can lead to a worsened state of being, potentially impacting daily functioning and interaction. The mental process can be triggered by internal or external events.

Stewing meaning with examples

• After the argument, Mark spent the entire afternoon stewing in his office, replaying the hurtful words and growing angrier with each repetition. He felt consumed by the unfairness of the situation, unable to shake off the lingering bitterness. His coworkers observed his brooding presence, but could not get through to him.
• Sarah was stewing about her job interview, worrying constantly about her performance and the possibility of not getting the position. She felt the pressure mounting as the days passed before the decision was made, imagining all the ways she might have failed. The anxiety prevented her from getting any sleep.
• John spent the week stewing over the leaked email, dissecting every phrase and feeling betrayed by a colleague's actions. His preoccupation made it hard to focus on his work, and he found himself increasingly irritable. This consumed the time to take positive steps.
• The committee continued stewing over the proposed budget cuts, arguing amongst themselves but unable to reach a consensus or make a decision, resulting in inaction that made the issue grow worse with each passing week and the company stagnating.
• Maria was stewing over her perceived social slights at the party, repeatedly analyzing conversations and interactions with the other guests, letting the feeling of being excluded ruin her entire night, the experience leaving her emotionally drained and isolated.