swell

/ˈswel/

Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell

verb

  1. to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit

  2. to become distended or puffed up

  3. to form a bulge or rounded elevation

the population swelled

her ankle is badly swollen

expand amplify swell distend inflate dilate mean to increase in size or volume. expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts). amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

noun

  1. a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (such as a gale)

  2. the condition of being protuberant

  3. a rounded elevation

adjective

  1. stylish

  2. socially prominent

  3. excellent —used as a generalized term of enthusiasm