American Dictionary

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Definition swell in American English

swell verb

verb
/swel/
1

to become larger than normal, usually because of liquid collecting inside

Example

My ankles tend to swell when I travel by air.

Example

Moisture causes the timber to swell.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to make something larger than normal

Example

The river was swollen with rain.

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2

to increase in amount or number

Example

Attendance figures have swollen to 37,000 this season.

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2.1

to make something increase

Example

Vacationers swell the local population in summer.

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3

to become gradually louder

Example

The shouts swelled to a roar.

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4

someone who swells with pride, joy, etc. feels extremely proud or happy

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Definition swell in American English