simmer

[sim-er] /ˈsɪm ər/
verb (used without object)
1.
to cook or cook in a liquid at or just below the boiling point.
2.
to make a gentle murmuring sound, as liquids cooking just below the boiling point.
3.
to be in a state of subdued or restrained activity, development, excitement, anger, etc.:
The town simmered with rumors.
verb (used with object)
4.
to keep (liquid) in a state approaching boiling.
5.
to cook in a liquid that is kept at or just below the boiling point.
noun
6.
the state or process of simmering.
Verb phrases
7.
simmer down,
  1. to reduce in volume by simmering.
  2. Slang. to become calm or quiet, as from a state of anger or turmoil:
    We waited for the audience to simmer down.
Origin
1645-55; alteration of earlier simper < ?
Related forms
simmeringly, adverb
resimmer, verb
unsimmered, adjective
unsimmering, adjective
Synonyms
3. See boil1 .
British Dictionary definitions for simmer down

simmer down

verb (adverb)
1.
(intransitive) (informal) to grow calmer or quieter, as after intense rage or excitement
2.
(transitive) to reduce the volume of (a liquid) by boiling slowly

simmer

/ˈsɪmə/
verb
1.
to cook (food) gently at or just below the boiling point
2.
(intransitive) to be about to break out in rage or excitement
noun
3.
the act, sound, or state of simmering
Word Origin
C17: perhaps of imitative origin; compare German summen to hum
Word Origin and History for simmer down

simmer

v.

1650s, alteration of simperen "to simmer" (late 15c.), possibly imitative; not thought to be connected to simper (v.). OED says the change is "probably due to a feeling of phonetic appropriateness." Figurative sense, of feelings, "to be agitated" is from 1764. Opposite sense, in simmer down, first recorded 1871, probably from the notion of moving from a full boil to a mere simmer.

I must and will keep shady and quiet till Bret Harte simmers down a little. [Mark Twain, letter, 1871]
Related: Simmered; simmering. The noun meaning "a condition of simmering" is from 1809.

Slang definitions & phrases for simmer down

simmer down

verb phrase

To become calm and quiet, esp after anger; cool it, lighten up • Often a command or a bit of advice (1871+)


Idioms and Phrases with simmer down

simmer down

Become calm after anger or excitement, as in Simmer down, Mary; I'm sure he'll make it up to you, or I haven't time to look at your report now, but I will when things have simmered down a bit. This idiom derives from simmer in the sense of “cook at low heat, below the boiling point.” [ Second half of 1800s ]