MEANING
Enlarged or distended beyond normal size, often because of injury, fluid, or inflammation.
Use it for
Describe a body part or surface that has expanded beyond its usual shape.Use unnatural enlargement to suggest injury, pressure, or something concealed.
Words that belong together
- swollen tissue
- swollen joints
- swollen with pride
On the page
A swollen seam bulged along the canvas sack, though nothing inside moved.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- swollen
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Usage notes
Usually describes physical enlargement; figuratively, it can describe an emotion or quality that has grown excessive.
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