Puff up Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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puff up

[pʌf ʌp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

inflating

To swell or expand by or as if by inflating. To make something seem more impressive or important than it really is.

Synonyms

blow up, exaggerate, inflate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puff up	Typically used to describe something becoming larger or fuller, often in a physical sense. Can also describe someone becoming more self-important or proud. The bird puffed up its feathers to appear larger He puffed up with pride after receiving the award
inflate	Commonly used for filling something with air or gas. Can also refer to increasing prices or making something seem bigger in a metaphorical sense. Please inflate the balloons for the party The store decided to inflate the prices before the sale
blow up	Usually refers to an explosion or becoming very angry. Can also mean enlarging a photo. The car blew up after the crash She blew up when she heard the bad news Can you blow up this photo to a larger size?
exaggerate	Often used when talking about making something seem bigger, better, or more important than it actually is. Usually has a negative connotation. He tends to exaggerate his achievements Don’t believe everything she says; she likes to exaggerate

Examples of usage

He used a pump to puff up the air mattress.
She tends to puff up her achievements in front of others.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

becoming swollen

To become swollen or bloated, especially as a result of an allergic reaction or injury.

Synonyms

bloat, swell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puff up	Used when something becomes inflated or swollen, often quickly and noticeably. Commonly used for physical reactions or appearances. Her face puffed up after the allergic reaction The bread puffs up nicely in the oven
swell	Used when something increases in size, often gradually and can be biological (like body parts) or emotional (like pride). Can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. His ankle began to swell after the injury She felt her pride swell as her name was called
bloat	Used when something swells or expands abnormally, often related to the human body or animals and generally having a negative connotation. After eating a heavy meal, he felt bloated The dog’s stomach bloated after drinking too much water

Word

Description / Examples

puff up

Used when something becomes inflated or swollen, often quickly and noticeably. Commonly used for physical reactions or appearances.

Her face puffed up after the allergic reaction
The bread puffs up nicely in the oven

swell

Used when something increases in size, often gradually and can be biological (like body parts) or emotional (like pride). Can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

His ankle began to swell after the injury
She felt her pride swell as her name was called

bloat

Used when something swells or expands abnormally, often related to the human body or animals and generally having a negative connotation.

After eating a heavy meal, he felt bloated
The dog’s stomach bloated after drinking too much water

Examples of usage

His face started to puff up after he was stung by a bee.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In literature, characters often 'puff up' with pride, demonstrating how emotions can cause people to feel taller or more significant.
Many poets use 'puff up' to describe clouds or smoke rising, creating imagery of elevation and change.

Psychology

'Puffing up' can refer to the psychological phenomenon where individuals may exaggerate their accomplishments to boost self-esteem.
In social settings, people might 'puff up' by talking more loudly or confidently when they want to impress others.

Science

In biology, certain organisms can 'puff up' as a defense mechanism to appear larger and deter predators.
Weather phenomena, like cumulonimbus clouds, 'puff up' dramatically, signifying strong convection and potential storms.

Pop Culture

The term 'puff up' frequently appears in cartoon shows where characters inflate in size for comic effect.
In many animated films, characters like balloons or marshmallows often 'puff up' to show excitement or surprise.

Origin of 'puff up'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'puff up' combines 'puff', meaning to blow air or swell, and 'up', meaning to increase in size.
The verb 'to puff' comes from Middle English, where it described the action of blowing air.

The term 'puff up' originated from the combination of 'puff' meaning to blow in short bursts and 'up' indicating an increase in size or importance. The usage of 'puff up' in English dates back to the 16th century, evolving to encompass both physical swelling and inflating with words or actions.