Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Swollen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😷
Add to dictionary

swollen

[ˈswəʊlən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Enlarged or distended with fluid or air; puffy or bloated.

Synonyms

bloated, inflamed, puffed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
swollen

Already covered in the earlier definition.
inflamed

Used when a part of the body is red, swollen, and painful, often because of infection or injury.

  • The doctor said the cut was inflamed and prescribed an antibiotic.
  • Her throat became inflamed after yelling too much.
bloated

Used to describe feeling uncomfortably full or enlarged, typically in the stomach area, often after eating too much.

  • I felt bloated after the big meal.
  • After drinking the soda, he complained of feeling bloated.
puffed

Used to indicate that something or someone has become slightly swollen or enlarged, often temporarily.

  • His eyes were puffed after crying all night.
  • The blowfish puffed up when it sensed danger.

Examples of usage

  • My ankle is swollen after the injury.
  • Her face was swollen from crying all night.
  • The swollen river flooded the nearby fields.
Context #2 | Verb

past participle

Past participle of swell.

Synonyms

enlarged, expanded, increased.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
swollen

Used mostly in medical situations to describe a part of the body that is bigger than usual because of an injury or illness.

  • His ankle was swollen after he twisted it during the game.
  • The insect bite caused her hand to become swollen.
expanded

Used to describe something that has been made larger or more extensive, often referring to ideas, businesses, or physical dimensions.

  • The company expanded its operations into three new countries.
  • The balloon expanded as it was filled with air.
increased

Generally refers to a numerical rise or growth in quantity, size, or degree, and can be used in a wide range of contexts.

  • The population of the city has increased dramatically in the last decade.
  • There has been an increased interest in renewable energy.
enlarged

Often used in formal or medical contexts to indicate something that has become bigger, especially organs or structures.

  • The doctor noted an enlarged liver in the patient's X-ray.
  • The photograph was enlarged to show more detail.

Examples of usage

  • The wound had swollen to twice its normal size.
  • She had swollen with pride at the recognition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Context

  • Swelling can happen because of injury, making the area feel soft and warm.
  • When the body fights an infection, it might swell up to help protect itself.
  • Allergies can cause swelling in different body parts, like around the eyes or throat.

Cultural References

  • In literature, swelling imagery often represents emotional growth or tension, like when a character feels increasingly overwhelmed.
  • Songs and poems may use swelling sounds or feelings to illustrate a buildup of emotions that eventually overflow.

Psychological Impact

  • Swollen emotions can lead to increased stress as the body reacts to feelings, showing how linked our bodies and minds are.
  • People may connect positive moments in life with a feeling of 'swelling' joy, where good experiences make feelings feel bigger.

Environmental Effects

  • Certain plants swell with rain, which can help them survive dry spells but also may lead to problems like root rot.
  • Swelling in nature can be observed in rivers during floods, where the water level rises and expands the bank areas.

Origin of 'swollen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'swellan,' meaning 'to swell or grow,' reflecting its existing meaning.
  • Related words in other languages show similar roots: the Latin 'swellere' and the Norwegian 'svella' both mean to enlarge.

The word 'swollen' originated from the Middle English word 'swollen', past participle of 'swell'. The Old English word 'swellan' also contributed to its development. The concept of swelling as an abnormal enlargement or distension dates back to early medical observations. Over time, 'swollen' has retained its meaning in English, describing the condition of being enlarged or distended with fluid or air.

See also: swell.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,010 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.