swell

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To become larger, especially because of injury or being filled with something.

   My ankle began to swell after I twisted it.

2. 2
   verb

   To increase in size, number, or amount.

   The crowd swelled as more fans arrived.

3. 3
   verb

   To grow gradually louder or stronger.

   The music swelled to a powerful crescendo.

4. 4
   verb

   To be filled with a strong feeling such as pride.

   Her heart swelled with pride as she watched her son graduate.

From Middle English swellen, from Old English swellan (“to swell”), from Proto-West Germanic *swellan, from Proto-Germanic *swellaną (“to swell”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Saterland Frisian swälle (“to swell”), West Frisian swolle (“to swell”), Dutch zwellen (“to swell”), Low German swellen (“to swell”), German schwellen (“to swell”), Swedish svälla (“to swell”), Icelandic svella. The adjective may derive from the noun.

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