Distend

usgb/dɪˈstend/
verb

To swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside.

The bag of chips had distended so much at high altitude that it was ready to pop.
Visual representation of "distend" - To swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside

Often appears as...

  • distend with air
  • distend with fluid
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "distend"
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Interior Pressure

Emphasizes that distention is caused by pressure from within rather than external forces.

Illustration for Interior Pressure
The balloon distended as the child blew air into it.
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Physical Change

Use when describing a noticeable change in size or shape of an object or part.

Illustration for Physical Change
Holding my breath, my cheeks distended.
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Metaphorical Use

Can describe things that swell in a non-literal sense, like emotions or tension.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Excitement distended within the crowd as the concert began.
Visual representation of the word "Distend"

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