SWELLS UP Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "swells up" refers to a physical action in which something, typically a body part or an object, increases in size or volume due to the accumulation of fluid, air, or pressure. This term is often used in medical or anatomical contexts, as well as in casual language to describe various situations.
In a medical context, "swells up" typically describes the abnormal expansion of body tissues, resulting from inflammation or injury. For instance, when a person sustains an injury or is bitten by an insect, the affected area may swell up as a protective mechanism against further damage. This swelling is caused by an increased blood flow to the area and the accumulation of fluids, such as lymph, in the tissues.
Outside of the medical field, "swells up" is used metaphorically to describe situations where a volume or intensity increases quickly or dramatically. For example, if a harmless online comment sparks a heated argument that involves numerous individuals, one might say that the situation "swells up" into a full-blown controversy. Similarly, in the context of ocean waves, "swells up" describes the gradual increase in wave size and power, usually resulting from distant weather disturbances.
Overall, "swells up" describes the process in which something expands or becomes larger, whether pertaining to physical objects, body parts, or metaphorical situations.
Common Misspellings for SWELLS UP
- swelles up
- awells up
- zwells up
- xwells up
- dwells up
- ewells up
- wwells up
- sqells up
- s2ells up
- swwlls up
- swslls up
- swdlls up
- swrlls up
- sw4lls up
- sw3lls up
- swekls up
- swepls up
- sweols up
- swelks up
- swelps up
Etymology of SWELLS UP
The phrase "swells up" consists of the verb "swell" and the particle "up".
The verb "swell" originated from the Old English word "swellan", which translates to "to grow, become greater, increase in size or force". It is also related to the Old Norse word "svella" and the Middle Dutch word "swellen", both having similar meanings.
The particle "up" is a common adverbial particle that can be used to indicate upward movement or increase in intensity or size.
Thus, when combined, "swells up" conveys the idea of something growing or increasing in size or force, particularly in an upward direction.
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