I had COVID a week before they made the announcement. I couldn't breathe and I couldn't tell if it was my heart or my lungs. I got to the hospital and I said, 'I've been having this heart attack for three days' and they plugged me into the machines and everything and I had a swollen heart and a virus. I really seriously thought I was going to die.

English Dancer

Louis C. K.

If you're a cartoon character or most TV characters, sure, you'll fight, because the punches are juicy-sounding and they don't leave marks. But in real life, if somebody punches you in the eye, it doesn't make any noise and your eye is swollen for, like, six months. It's a nightmare to get punched in the eye.

American Comedian

Patrisse Cullors

#BlackLivesMatter was born online but now lives in street actions, in conversations in our homes, and in the dignity swelling in our hearts. That is the power of the open Internet, and it is why we must do everything we can to protect black voices. Our lives depend on it.

American Activist

John Hanning Speke

Twins are usually hailed with delight, because they swell the power of the family, though in some instances they are put to death.

British Soldier

Woodrow Wilson

When I give a man an office, I watch him carefully to see whether he is swelling or growing.

American President

J. D. Salinger

If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody.

American Novelist

Eva Herzigova

I don't think I ever had a swollen head: I remember where I come from.

Czechoslovakian Model

Mao Zedong

Swollen in head, weak in legs, sharp in tongue but empty in belly.

Chinese Leader

Matthew Green

Talk of unusual swell of waist In maid of honor loosely laced.

British Poet

Sholom Aleichem

The rich swell up with pride, the poor from hunger.

Russian Writer

Used to describe something increasing in size due to pressure, injury, or growth.

Physical Change

The swelling might not be externally apparent but can refer to internal enlargement.

Not Always Visible

Can metaphorically describe an increase in emotions or feelings.

Metaphorical Use

Emphasizes a slow and often steady rise in quantity or intensity over time.

Gradual Increase

Swell in support implies a positive trend; in other contexts, it can be negative.

Positive or Negative

A casual, friendly way to express that something is very good or pleasant.

Colloquial Praise

While still understood, it's often associated with older or mid-20th-century American English.

Slightly Dated

Refers to large, smooth, long-wavelength ocean waves, not typically used for small waves.

Oceanography Term

In maritime contexts, 'swell' often suggests relatively calm, stable ocean conditions.

Indication of Calm

Describes how music can grow louder, creating a buildup of sound for dramatic effect.

Dynamic Music

Used to enhance the emotional response of the audience through sound.

Emotional Impact

Refers to someone of high social status or refinement, often with an old-fashioned flavor.

Upper-Class Connection

Nowadays, the term is considered more of a historical slang, rarely used in modern conversation.

Historical Slang

 whole world but don't forget the faces covered by the waving hands those faces would push through the fresh flesh in the African void they too wanted to see history that ran past them and the air was swollen for not all the people could fit into it leg of the crowd was also for the other

The reality constructed...

 That compound, which we're mildly allergic to, triggers the release of histamine, a chemical that makes our capillaries swell. This enables increased blood flow, which helpfully accelerates the body's immune response to this perceived threat. That explains the swelling,

Why do we itch? - Emma...

 In response, cells grow listless and metabolism slows. People with hypothyroidism see symptoms in weight gain, sluggishness, sensitivity to cold, swollen joints and feeling low. Luckily, there are medical treatments that can help trigger the thyroid's activities again,

How does the thyroid...

 canoe builders, priests, chanters, and hula dancers. Navigators were keen observers of the natural world. They were abundantly familiar with trade wind-generated ocean swells, which typically flow northeast or southeast. By day, navigators could identify direction

How did Polynesian...

 causing cells to swell. In severe cases, the kidneys can't keep up with the resulting volumes of dilute urine. Water intoxication then occurs, possibly causing headache, vomiting, and, in rare instances, seizures or death. But that's a pretty extreme situation.

What would happen if you...

 bringing your mind and body into momentary sync, with the rhythm and power of the swells, and for brief moment, seemingly defying nature, and successfully riding one of those waves. For me, there's no other feeling in the world like it.

Greg Long: Big Wave...

 but if you get allergies, this explosion of new life probably inspires more dread than joy. Step outside, and within minutes, you're sneezing and congested. Your nose is running, your eyes are swollen and watery, your throat is itchy.

Why do people have...

 and I could literally feel the blood trying to leave my hands, feet and face, and rush to protect my vital organs. It was the coldest I've ever been. But even with swollen lips, sunken eyes, and cheeks flushed red,

Chris Burkard: The joy...

 like the importance of eating spinach. The jury's still out on that one. As for knuckle-cracking, one study suggests that all that joint stretching and bubble bursting can cause your hands to swell

Why do your knuckles...

 hidden by the swell and filming is next to impossible spirit board for joining the cameraman this would have to be about as hard as wildlife filmmaking gets bouncing up and down on a boat

Swell

To become bigger or rounder.

A slow increase.

Very good.

Often appears as...

Usage tips

A long wave in the sea that moves constantly without breaking.

If music or noise swells, it gradually becomes louder.

A wealthy or high-class person.

Usage tips

Physical Change

Not Always Visible

Metaphorical Use

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