boil over

verb

boiled over; boiling over; boils over
Synonyms of boil overnext

intransitive verb

1
: to overflow while boiling
2
a
: to become violent or lose control because of anger
so frustrated he's ready to boil over
b
: to develop into something more violent
Their disagreement finally boiled over into a fight.
boilover noun

Examples of boil over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Frustration began to boil over from there. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026 Bring to a boil over medium-high; reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 20 minutes. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 Emotions boiled over in the center field seats during the first of a three-game set in Arlington. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026 The Office actor Julie Fernandez and Sara Johnson have been in post two-and-a-half years now at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, which reps the likes of Steve McQueen and Stephen Frears, and have recently felt their frustration at low industry take-up of access coordinators boil over. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boil over

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boil over was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boil over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boil%20over. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

boil over

verb
1
: to overflow while boiling
2
: to become so angry as to lose one's temper

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