boil up

Related to word: boil

Phrasal Verb

Definition

  1. When a negative emotion intensifies and becomes hard to manage.

    • During the discussion, his anger began to boil up and eventually became uncontrollable.

    • Her anxiety began to boil up, making it difficult for her to concentrate on her work.

    • Faced with unfair treatment, the protesters' anger boiled up quickly, leading to a riot.