swell Definition
- 1to become larger and rounder than usual; to increase in size or volume
- 2to feel or express pride or satisfaction
- 3to be filled with a particular emotion or quality
Using swell: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "swell" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The injured area swelled up and turned red.
Example
The crowd swelled as the concert began.
Example
He swelled with pride when he received the award.
Example
Her heart swelled with joy at the sight of her newborn baby.
Example
The sails swelled with the wind.
swell Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using swell
swell one's head
to make someone arrogant or conceited
Example
Don't let all this praise swell your head.
Example
The charity event helped to swell the coffers of the organization.
Example
The audience swelled the chorus during the performance.
Phrases with swell
swell up
to become larger and rounder than usual, especially because of an injury or infection
Example
My ankle swelled up after I twisted it.
Example
He swelled with pride when he saw his son graduate.
Example
The company is looking to swell the ranks of its employees.
Origins of swell
from Old English 'swellan', meaning 'to grow or become swollen'
Summary: swell in Brief
The verb 'swell' [swel] means to increase in size or volume, to feel or express pride or satisfaction, or to be filled with a particular emotion or quality. It can describe physical changes like swelling up from an injury, or emotional changes like swelling with pride. The phrase 'swell up' refers to physical swelling, while 'swell the ranks' refers to increasing the number of people in a group. Idioms include 'swell one's head,' meaning to make someone arrogant, and 'swell the coffers,' meaning to increase an organization's funds.
