English English Dictionary

See Swainmote.

To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation.

To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish.

To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves.

To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride.

To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell.

To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style.

To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle.

To be elated; to rise arrogantly.

To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand.

To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount.

To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to strut; to look big.

To increase the size, bulk, or dimensions of; to cause to rise, dilate, or increase; as, rains and dissolving snow swell the rivers in spring; immigration swells the population.

To aggravate; to heighten.

To raise to arrogance; to puff up; to inflate; as, to be swelled with pride or haughtiness.

To augment gradually in force or loudness, as the sound of a note.

The act of swelling.

Gradual increase.

Increase or augmentation in bulk; protuberance.

Increase in height; elevation; rise.