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.

Multiword verbs with swell

• swell up Phrasal verb B1

  to become abnormally larger or puffy

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Swell is a Germanic word inherited from Old English. Its noun use appeared in Middle English, and the sense of rolling waves is first recorded in Shakespeare. The adjective meaning “stylish” or expressing approval developed in the early 19th century from older senses involving proud behaviour, swagger, fashionable dress, and high social position.

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.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary