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.
Tensions boiled over late in the match when a physical altercation broke out. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Theodros attributes the frustrations boiling over in recent votes to broader discussions about income inequality and affordability playing out across the country. Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 Stir in beef broth; bring to a boil over medium-high. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 15 June 2026 Her frustration boiled over late in the game, as she was twice called for technical fouls. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 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 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

boil over

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

More from Merriam-Webster on boil over

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster