Swallowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คญ
swallowed
[หswษl.oสd ]
Definition
past tense
Swallowed is the past tense of the verb swallow, which means to cause something, typically food or drink, to pass down the throat. When someone swallows, they take in substances from the mouth, pushing them through the esophagus and into the stomach. This process is an essential part of digestion and can involve various reflex actions in the throat. It is often connected to eating, drinking, or even certain emotions where people might swallow hard, such as when they are nervous.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He swallowed his food hastily.
- She swallowed her pride to ask for help.
- After he swallowed the pills, he felt better.
- The fish swallowed the bait quickly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Swallowing involves coordinated muscle movements in the throat and esophagus.
- The human throat can swallow food that is larger than the opening by using a reflex action.
- Certain textures of food can make swallowing easier or harder, depending on their size and consistency.
Psychology
- The act of swallowing can be influenced by emotional states; stress may make it harder to swallow.
- Some people experience a fear of swallowing, known as 'phagophobia', reflecting anxiety around eating or choking.
Culture
- In many cultures, the ritual of sharing food often involves swallowing food together, symbolizing unity and community.
- Metaphorically, 'swallowing' can refer to accepting difficult truths or situations, as in 'swallowing your pride'.
Literature
- In various literary works, swallowing has been used as a metaphor for the acceptance of knowledge or experience, as in 'swallowing a hard truth'.
- Poets often describe the act of swallowing to convey deep emotional moments, revealing vulnerability or strength.
Origin of 'swallowed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'swelgan', meaning 'to engulf' or 'to devour'.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic *swelgana, which is also the source for similar words in other Germanic languages.
The word 'swallow' has its roots in Old English, specifically the term 'swelgan,' which means to devour or consume. The term has evolved through Middle English as 'swelwen' before arriving at its modern form. The Proto-Germanic root '*swalลnฤ ' also touches upon similar meanings in German and Dutch, showcasing the word's deep-seated presence in the Germanic language family. Its usage has expanded over centuries, initially focusing on the act of eating or drinking, later including metaphorical meanings such as accepting or internalizing difficult information or emotions. This duality in meaning further enriches the usage of the word in both literal and figurative contexts.