swell
1swell
verb \ˈswel\swelledswelled or swol·len\ˈswō-lən\swell·ing
Definition of SWELL
intransitive verb
1
a : to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit <the population swelled> b : to become distended or puffed up <her ankle is badly swollen> c : to form a bulge or rounded elevation
2
a : to become filled with pride and arrogance b : to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important manner c : to play the swell
3
: to become distended with emotion
transitive verb
1
: to affect with a powerful or expansive emotion
2
: to increase the size, number, or intensity of <swell the applicant pool>
See Examples of SWELL
- Her broken ankle swelled badly.
- Heavy rains swelled the river.
- The population has swelled in recent years.
- The economy is swelling at an annual rate of five percent.
- Immigrants have swelled the population.
Origin of SWELL
Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to SWELL
Related Words: jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge; heighten, intensify, redouble; blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up); crescendo, crest, peak
See Synonym Discussion at expand
Rhymes with SWELL
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