brooded

Brooded refers to a past tense form of the verb "brood." To brood means to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy, angry, or worried. It implies a prolonged period of dwelling on negative thoughts, often to the exclusion of other matters. When someone broods, they are typically engaged in introspection, replaying past events or anticipating future problems in a somber and often unproductive manner. This state can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or resentment. The term can also be used to describe the behavior of a bird sitting on its eggs to keep them warm and hatch them. In this context, it signifies a nurturing and protective action. However, the more common usage of "brooded" relates to the act of brooding over troubles or anxieties. For example, a person might have brooded over a lost opportunity, or a character in a story might have brooded over a betrayal. The word conveys a sense of being consumed by one's thoughts, particularly those of a negative nature.