Meaning & use
distend
To swell or cause to swell outward from internal pressure.
See it in a sentence
The starving child's stomach began to distend from severe malnutrition.
Trapped gas can cause the intestines to distend, leading to noticeable discomfort.
A note on using this word
Distend is mainly a medical or scientific term describing swelling caused by pressure from within, such as gas, fluid, or overeating.
Words with a similar meaning
swellbloat
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
shrink
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