To think deeply and moodily about something worrying or annoying; to sit on eggs to keep them warm until they hatch.
From Old English 'brod,' meaning 'fetus' or 'offspring,' related to 'breed.' The verb developed both the biological meaning (sitting on eggs) and the psychological meaning (brooding over thoughts) by the 1400s.
The two meanings of 'brood'—birds sitting on eggs and humans sitting with their dark thoughts—share the same root because both involve something being kept warm and developing slowly over time.
When applied to women or mothers, 'brood' carries dismissive, animalistic connotations (brooding hen). Applied to men contemplating, it reads as philosophical ('he brooded'). The gendered split reflects historical devaluation of motherhood and women's interiority.
Use 'contemplate,' 'reflect,' 'think over,' or 'family' depending on context. Avoid 'brood' for women's parenthood; use 'raise,' 'nurture,' or 'parent' for neutral framing.
["contemplate","reflect","think over","family","children","nurture"]
Feminist revaluation of motherhood and care work recognizes it as intellectual and emotional labor; precise language honors that complexity.
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