The meaning of "puff up" is primarily to swell or cause something to enlarge.
Understanding "Puff Up"
Based on the provided reference, the phrase "puff up" is a verb that describes the process of increasing in size or becoming swollen. This often refers to an abnormal expansion or inflation.
Definition and Usage
The core meaning, as stated in the reference, is:
to swell or cause to enlarge
This indicates a change in volume, making something bigger or more rounded. It can be used transitively (to cause something to puff up) or intransitively (to itself become puffed up).
A common example provided in the reference is:
"Her faced puffed up from the drugs"
This illustrates a physical reaction where a part of the body becomes swollen due to an external factor.
Synonyms
The reference lists several synonyms that convey a similar sense of swelling or enlargement:
- blow up
- puff
- puff out
- intumesce
- swell
- swell up
- tumefy
- tumesce
These terms are often used interchangeably to describe this type of physical expansion, particularly one that is abnormal or undesirable. The reference also associates it with the concept of expand abnormally.
Practical Examples and Contexts
Understanding "puff up" is useful in various contexts, often related to physical changes. Some examples include:
- Medical or Allergic Reactions: As shown in the reference example, faces, limbs, or other body parts can puff up due to allergies, insect bites, injuries, or reactions to medication.
- Inflammation: Swelling associated with inflammation is often described as puffing up.
- Material Changes: Certain materials might puff up when heated or exposed to moisture. For instance, dough puffs up when yeast produces gas, or some plastics might puff up under heat.
Essentially, anytime something increases in size or volume, especially in a way that makes it appear fuller or rounder, it can be described as puffing up.
