intransitive verb swelled, swelled or swollen swol′·len, swelling swell′·ing

1. to increase in volume or become larger as a result of pressure from within; expand; dilate
2. to become larger at a particular point; curve out; bulge; protrude
3. to extend beyond or above the normal or surrounding level
4. to form swells, or large waves: said of the sea
5. to be or become filled (with pride, indignation, self-importance, etc.)
6. to increase within a person, as a feeling the anger swelling in him
7. to increase in size, force, intensity, degree, etc. membership swelled to a thousand
8. to increase in volume or loudness

Etymology: ME swellen < OE swellan; akin to Ger schwellen, ON svella

transitive verb

noun

1. a part that swells, bulge; curve; protuberance; specif.,
   1. a large wave that moves steadily without breaking
   2. a piece of rising ground; rounded hill or slope
2. a swelling or being swollen
3. an increase in size, amount, extent, degree, etc.
4. Informal
   1. a person who is strikingly stylish, esp. in dress
   2. a person of social prominence
5. an increase in loudness of sound
6. Music
   1. a gradual increase in volume (crescendo), usually followed by a gradual decrease (decrescendo)
   2. a sign (<>) indicating this
   3. a device for controlling the loudness of tones, as in an organ

adjective

1. Informal stylish; very fashionable
2. Slang first-rate; excellent: a generalized epithet of approval

Etymology: ME swelle, tumid, proud