to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.

Pathology . to increase abnormally in size, as by inflation, distention, accumulation of fluids, or the like

Her ankles swelled from standing.

to rise in waves, as the sea.

to well up, as a spring or as tears.

to bulge out, as a sail or the middle of a cask.

to grow in amount, degree, force, etc.

to increase gradually in volume or intensity, as sound

The music swelled.

to arise and grow within one, as a feeling or emotion.

to become puffed up with pride.

to cause to grow in bulk.

to cause to increase gradually in loudness

to swell a musical tone.

to cause (a thing) to bulge out or be protuberant.

to increase in amount, degree, force, etc.

to affect with a strong, expansive emotion.

to puff up with pride.

the act of swelling or the condition of being swollen.

inflation or distention.

a protuberant part.

a wave, esp. when long and unbroken, or a series of such waves.

a gradually rising elevation of the land.

an increase in amount, degree, force, etc.

a gradual increase in loudness of sound.

Music .

a gradual increase (crescendo) followed by a gradual decrease (diminuendo) in loudness or force of musical sound.

the sign ( ) for indicating this.

a device, as in an organ, by which the loudness of tones may be varied.

a swelling of emotion within one.

Slang .

a fashionably dressed person; dandy.

a socially prominent person.

(of things) stylish; elegant

a swell hotel.

(of persons) fashionably dressed or socially prominent.

first-rate; fine

a swell party.