to cook something by direct heat, usually on a grill or over a fire, to become very hot and dry, often resulting in a conflict or argument

broil over, broil up, under the broiler

Formal and Informal Expressions of broil

In different contexts, you can replace 'broil' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'grill, cook' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'charbroil, sizzle' is a commonplace synonym.

broil: Explore its Definition & Usage

broil Definition

1to cook something by direct heat, usually on a grill or over a fire
2to become very hot and dry, often resulting in a conflict or argument

Using broil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "broil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
We broiled the fish for dinner.
Example
The sun was broiling us on the beach.
Example
The two teams broiled in a heated argument over the referee's decision.

broil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for broil

Antonyms for broil

freeze
chill

Phrases with broil

broil over
to become extremely angry or agitated about something
Example
The issue of gun control has been broiling over for years.
broil up
to become very hot and dry, often resulting in a conflict or argument
Example
The political situation is broiling up, and people are starting to take sides.
under the broiler
cooked by direct heat from above, as in an oven
Example
I put the cheese on top of the bread and put it under the broiler to melt.

Origins of broil

from Old French 'bruillir', meaning 'to burn'

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Summary: broil in Brief

The verb 'broil' [broil] has two main meanings. The first refers to cooking food directly over heat, such as on a grill or over a fire. The second meaning describes a situation that becomes very hot and dry, often resulting in a conflict or argument. Examples include 'We broiled the fish for dinner' and 'The two teams broiled in a heated argument over the referee's decision.'