Past tense of swallow, meaning to cause food, drink, or other substances to pass down the throat. Can also mean to engulf completely or to accept something reluctantly.
From Old English 'swelgan,' related to Germanic roots meaning 'to devour' or 'gulp down.' The figurative sense of 'accepting' something developed by the 14th century, as in 'swallowing one's pride.'
Swallowing is such a complex process that it requires coordination of over 50 muscles! What's fascinating is that we can't swallow and breathe simultaneously - your epiglottis automatically closes your airway, which is why you can't drown while drinking normally.
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