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Dictionary definition of brood

To think deeply or dwell on a particular thought or feeling for an extended period of time.
"He has a tendency to brood over past mistakes."

Detailed meaning of brood

It can be used to describe a range of mental activities, from pondering a problem or situation to feeling worried, anxious, or depressed. When someone is said to be brooding, it often implies a sense of intensity or seriousness to their thoughts or emotions, and may suggest a degree of introspection or self-reflection. The verb can also be used to describe the act of incubating eggs or caring for young animals, particularly in the context of birds or other poultry. Overall, "brood" is a versatile verb that can convey a range of mental and emotional states, as well as certain actions related to caring for offspring.

Example sentences of brood

1. She tends to brood over past mistakes, hindering her progress.
2. After the argument, he would brood in silence for hours.
3. Brooding about the future can create unnecessary anxiety.
4. Don't brood on failures; use them as stepping stones.
5. He would often brood over the mysteries of the universe.
6. Brooding on negative thoughts can lead to depression.

History and etymology of brood

The verb 'brood' has its etymology rooted in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'brōd,' which meant 'brood' in the sense of offspring or young birds. Over time, 'brood' evolved to also mean 'to think deeply' or 'to dwell on a particular thought or feeling for an extended period of time.' The etymology of 'brood' carries with it the idea of nurturing and tending to something, much like a bird caring for its young. In the context of deep thinking, it implies a mental nurturing or dwelling upon thoughts or feelings, emphasizing the prolonged and often introspective nature of this mental activity.

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Further usage examples of brood

1. She tends to brood over the smallest of criticisms.
2. Brood about your goals, but don't forget to take action.
3. His tendency to brood made him an introspective writer.
4. It's essential not to brood excessively on the past.
5. She couldn't help but brood over the impending decision.
6. Brooding in solitude helped him find inner peace.
7. I sometimes brood about the meaning of life itself.
8. He would often brood over the complexities of human nature.
9. She would brood on missed opportunities for days.
10. Brood on your dreams, and they may become realities.
11. Brooding over trivial matters only saps your energy.
12. He couldn't stop brooding about the unanswered question.
13. Brood upon your strengths, not just your weaknesses.
14. She would brood over the past until sleep finally came.
15. The mother hen will brood over her eggs until they hatch.
16. When he's upset, he tends to brood instead of talking about what's bothering him.
17. The eagle will brood over its nest to protect the fledglings from predators.
18. Don't just sit there and brood; it's important to share your feelings with someone.
19. The clouds above seemed to brood ominously, foreshadowing the storm to come.
20. After the argument, she went to her room to brood and didn’t come out for hours.
21. When you brood over past mistakes, it prevents you from moving forward.
22. The artist would often brood over his canvas, contemplating every brushstroke.
23. It's not healthy to brood over things you cannot change.
24. Sometimes, writers will brood over every word, ensuring their work is perfect.
25. She would brood over her choices, agonizing about potential consequences.
26. The queen bee will brood, staying in the hive to lay eggs, while the workers bring her food.