Word: Swell Up
Definition: "Swell up" is a verb phrase that means to increase in size or volume, often in an abnormal or unnatural way. This can happen to body parts due to various reasons, such as injury, illness, or inflammation.
Usage Instructions: You can use "swell up" when talking about physical changes in the body, usually when something becomes larger than normal. It can also refer to non-physical things, like feelings or emotions that become stronger.
Example: 1. After he got stung by a bee, his hand began to swell up. 2. After the sad movie, I felt my heart swell up with emotion.
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, "swell up" can also refer to an increase in intensity or strength, such as feelings, emotions, or even sounds.
Word Variants: - Swollen (adjective): This describes something that is swollen, e.g., "Her ankle is swollen after she twisted it." - Swelling (noun): This refers to the state of being swollen, e.g., "There is a swelling on his arm."
Different Meanings:While "swell up" often refers to physical swelling, it can also mean to become filled with pride or emotion. For example, "His heart swelled with pride when he saw his daughter graduate."
Synonyms: - Inflate - Expand - Distend - Increase in size
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for "swell up," but you may encounter phrases like: - "Swell with pride": This means to feel a strong sense of pride that makes you feel larger or more significant.
In Summary: "Swell up" describes something that becomes larger than normal, often used for body parts or emotions. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.