Past tense of brood: to think deeply about something worrying or sad, or for a bird to sit on eggs to keep them warm.
From Old English 'brod' meaning 'offspring or young.' The verb emerged from the noun as people described birds sitting on their broods, then metaphorically extended to mean brooding over thoughts.
Philosophers and artists have 'brooded' on problems for centuries, and neuroscience now shows that this kind of focused rumination actually activates different brain networks than just casual thinking—our minds evolved for productive worry.
Victorian and early 20th-century psychology pathologized women's introspection as 'brooding', often conflating contemplation with mental illness or hysteria.
Use for both genders equally; avoid using to pathologize women's reflection or thoughtfulness.
["reflected deeply on","considered carefully","pondered"]
Women philosophers, artists, and writers have been dismissed as 'brooders' when their male peers were credited with 'deep thought'—the same introspection celebrated in men.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.