Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To swell, expand, or cause to swell outward, often briefly. This describes something becoming larger in size by filling with air or another substance, or the act of making it do so. It often implies a rounded, inflated shape.
   • To cause to protrude or bulge. This refers to making a specific part of something stick out.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object (e.g., puff out one's chest).
• As an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object (e.g., the sails puffed out).

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • The bird puffed out its feathers to keep warm.
  • He puffed out his chest with pride.
• Intransitive use:
  • The curtains puffed out when the wind blew through the window.
  • Her cheeks puffed out as she held her breath.

Advanced Usage

• "Puff out one's chest": An idiom meaning to show pride, confidence, or self-importance, often by literally expanding one's chest.
  • He puffed out his chest and declared himself the winner.

Variants and Related Words

• Puff up (verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "puff out," especially for swelling from injury or emotion (e.g., "His eye puffed up after the fight").
• Inflate (verb): To fill with air or gas, more technical and often used for man-made objects (e.g., inflate a balloon).
• Swell (verb): To become larger, often due to fluid, injury, or emotion (e.g., a swollen ankle).

Synonyms

• Swell
• Expand
• Bulge
• Distend
• Inflate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Puff up: See "Variants and Related Words" above.
• Puff away: To smoke something (like a pipe or cigarette) steadily.

Related Idioms

• Puff out one's chest: To act in a proud, arrogant, or self-important manner.

Verb

1. to swell or cause to enlarge, "Her faced puffed up from the drugs"
   • puffed out chests