swell up
Puff out gradually
To swell up is to expand or become enlarged, typically from fluid accumulation, inflammation, or emotional response.
Body parts swell up from injury or allergic reaction: My ankle swelled up after I twisted it.
The phrase also describes rising emotion: Pride swelled up in her chest.
Compared to plain "swell," adding "up" emphasizes the process of enlargement rather than a static swollen state.
- distendEnlarge by pressure within
- puff upInflate or swell
- engorgeFill to distension
- inflateFill with gas
- bloatSwell abnormally
get bigger · edema · water retention · balloon · expand · blow up · bulge · dilate · belly · elate · exult · inflammation · blister · bee sting · allergic reaction · anaphylaxis · throb · belly out