Distend: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something, especially a part of the body or a container, is stretched or expanded due to internal pressure.

• Her stomach began to distend after she ate too much.
• The balloon started to distend as it was filled with air.

Most often used to describe the increase in size or volume of something, particularly parts of the body due to injury or inflammation, but can also describe gradual growth or increase.

• His ankle began to swell after the sprain.
• The crowd started to swell as more people arrived.

Applicable when something increases in size, volume, or quantity, often in a more general or neutral sense.

• The company plans to expand its operations to Europe.
• The universe continues to expand over time.

Typically associated with filling something with air or gas, making it swell, or metaphorically to exaggerate significance or importance.

• He began to inflate the tire with the pump.
• The prices were artificially inflated during the peak season.

Used when something swells or expands due to pressure from inside, often related to medical conditions or physical descriptions.

• Her stomach began to distend after the large meal.
• The balloon distended as air filled it.

Often used to describe making something longer in duration or length, and can apply to time periods, physical objects, or influence.

• The CEO plans to extend the deadline.
• She extended her stay by another week.
• We need to extend the fence.

Commonly used when something increases in size, either in a physical sense like photographs or in an abstract sense like opportunities.

• They decided to enlarge the kitchen.
• The team needs to enlarge its scope of research.

Appropriate for describing the process of making something wider, including physical spaces and abstract concepts like knowledge or perspectives.

• The company plans to broaden its market reach.
• Traveling can broaden your horizons.