Became bigger or puffed up, as if filled with air or liquid; increased in size.
From Old English 'swellan' meaning 'to swell,' related to Old Norse 'svella.' The word is ancient and related to concepts of expanding and growing.
Your body 'swells' after injury because fluid rushes to protect the damaged area—it's actually a healing mechanism, so swelling is your body's way of saying 'I'm fighting back,' which is less annoying when you understand it's helpful.
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