Definition

Verb: * To increase in size, volume, or prominence, often in an abnormal, rounded, or bulging manner due to internal pressure, injury, or illness.

Usage

The verb "swell up" is used to describe a part of the body or an object that becomes larger than its normal size. It often implies a cause such as inflammation, fluid accumulation, or injury. It is typically used in continuous tenses to describe the process. * Common Collocations: swell up + (body part: ankle, face, finger, knee, stomach); swell up + (due to/from/because of something: an allergy, a bee sting, an infection).

Examples

• His ankle began to swell up after the fall.
• If you are allergic to nuts, your throat might swell up.
• The injured area swelled up and turned purple.

Advanced Usage

• Emotional Context: Can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of pride or emotion that feels like an internal expansion.
  • Her heart swelled up with gratitude when she saw the community's support.

Variants and Related Words

• Swell (verb): The base form, often used interchangeably with "swell up," though "swell up" can emphasize the process or result more strongly.
  • The river will swell after the heavy rains.
• Swelling (noun): The condition of being swollen, or a swollen part of the body.
  • The doctor examined the swelling on her arm.

Synonyms

• Inflate: To fill with air or gas so as to expand (more technical or mechanical).
• Distend: To swell or cause to swell from internal pressure (more formal/medical).
• Puff up: To swell, especially in a soft or rounded way (often for faces or cheeks).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Swell with (pride/emotion): To be filled with a powerful emotion.
  • He swelled with pride at his daughter's graduation.

Related Idioms

• (To be) swollen-headed: To be conceited or overly proud (arrogant).
  • Winning the award made him a bit swollen-headed.

Verb

1. expand abnormally
   • The bellies of the starving children are swelling