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Bulging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bulging

[ˈbʌlĘĪÉŠÅ‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

when something is swollen or sticking out

Having a bulging appearance, protruding or swelling outwards.

Synonyms

overhanging, protruding, swelling, swollen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bulging

Used to describe something that is sticking out and looks like it is about to burst, often used for eyes, muscles, or bags of items.

  • His eyes were bulging in surprise.
  • The bag was bulging with groceries.
swollen

Describes something that has become larger than normal, often used for parts of the body after an injury or illness.

  • Her eyes were swollen from crying.
  • His knee was swollen after the fall.
protruding

Used for something that is sticking out from a surface, often used for bones, objects, or features.

  • The broken bone was protruding through the skin.
  • Her nose was slightly protruding.
swelling

Usually describes something that has increased in size due to an injury, infection, or another reason, often used for body parts or areas.

  • He noticed a swelling on his ankle.
  • The swelling in her throat made it hard to breathe.
overhanging

Describes something that extends or hangs over something else, often used for structures, cliffs, or eaves.

  • The rock was overhanging the path.
  • The branches were overhanging the roof.

Examples of usage

  • The bulging veins on his forehead were a sign of his anger.
  • Her bulging backpack was filled with books.
  • The bulging muscles of the bodybuilder impressed the audience.
  • The bulging eyes of the surprised child widened even further.
  • The bulging walls of the ancient castle showed signs of decay.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, bulging can refer to swollen body parts due to injury or disease, as a visible symptom of a problem.
  • Physics describes bulging in structures, particularly in construction, where pressure can cause deformation in materials.
  • Common examples of bulging in everyday life include overfilled tires or swollen fruits, showing physical changes from internal pressure.

Art and Literature

  • Artists often use bulging forms in sculpture to convey movement or tension, emphasizing certain features.
  • In literature, describing a character as bulging can create a vivid image of their physicality or emotional state, often related to excess or overindulgence.
  • One famous literary reference is in depictions of monsters or fantastical beings, whose bulging eyes or muscles illustrate their otherworldly nature.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies, bulging muscles are often exaggerated to portray strength and power, becoming a trope of heroism.
  • Animated characters, like those in cartoons, frequently have bulging eyes or features for comedic effect, enhancing their expressions.
  • Certain fitness trends celebrate bulging biceps as a goal in strength training and bodybuilding, emphasizing physical aesthetics.

Psychology

  • Bulging can also be used metaphorically in psychology to describe overwhelming emotions that 'bubble over' or 'bulge out' when someone is stressed.
  • The idea of bulging can signify anxiety or pressure points in mental health discussions, visualizing the need to address emotional buildup.
  • In art therapy, bulging forms can represent hidden feelings or pressures in a person's life, encouraging expressive outlets.

Origin of 'bulging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English term 'bulgen', which means to swell or protrude.
  • It's related to the Old French 'bulger', reflecting the idea of roundness or swelling.
  • The root comes from a Proto-Germanic word that also relates to swelling or protruding objects.

The word 'bulging' is derived from the verb 'bulge', which originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'boulge' meaning a swelling. The use of 'bulging' as an adjective to describe something swollen or protruding dates back to the 17th century.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,567, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.