bloat

Definition

To cause to become distended.

Etymology

Perhaps from Middle English blot, blout (“soft; flexible; pliable”), from Old Norse blautr (“soft”). Akin to Danish blød, Dutch bloot (“nude”) and German bloß (“nude”).

Example Sentences

• "if a Person of a firm Conſtitution begins to bloat, and from being warm grows cold, his Fibres grow weak, Anxiety and Palpitations of the Heart are a ſign of weak Fibres"
• "1675, John Dryden, Prologue to Circe by Dr. Davenant Encourage him, and bloat him up with Praise"
• "bloated herring"