Puff up
verb
To become larger in size or appearance by filling with air or gas.
The frog puffed up its body as a defense mechanism against predators.
Often appears as...
- puffed up balloon
- puffed up cheeks
verb
To boast or make oneself seem more important or impressive.
He was always puffing up his own achievements.
Often appears as...
- puff up one's achievements
- puff up one's ego
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To become larger in size or appearance by filling with air or gas.
The frog puffed up its body as a defense mechanism against predators.
Often appears as...
- puffed up balloon
- puffed up cheeks
verb
To boast or make oneself seem more important or impressive.
He was always puffing up his own achievements.
Often appears as...
- puff up one's achievements
- puff up one's ego
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Change
Used when something physiologically expands due to air or gas.
When startled, the pufferfish puffs up to appear larger.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Display
Can describe someone showing emotions like pride or anger.
She puffed up with pride after receiving the compliment.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Illusion
Used to mean making something look bigger than it really is.
He puffed up the pillow to make the couch look cozier.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Change
Used when something physiologically expands due to air or gas.
When startled, the pufferfish puffs up to appear larger.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Display
Can describe someone showing emotions like pride or anger.
She puffed up with pride after receiving the compliment.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Illusion
Used to mean making something look bigger than it really is.
He puffed up the pillow to make the couch look cozier.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Change
Used when something physiologically expands due to air or gas.
When startled, the pufferfish puffs up to appear larger.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Display
Can describe someone showing emotions like pride or anger.
She puffed up with pride after receiving the compliment.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Illusion
Used to mean making something look bigger than it really is.
He puffed up the pillow to make the couch look cozier.
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