WordLens

distend

1 of 1verb
/dɪˈstɛnd/
Forms:distends,distending,distended,distended
1

to expand, swell, or stretch beyond the normal or usual size

  • After a large meal, his stomach began to distend, causing discomfort.
  • The balloon distended as it filled with air during the birthday party.
  • The frog's throat distended as it prepared to emit its distinctive croak.
  • The chef observed the dough distend as it rose during the fermentation process.
  • The tire started to distend as it absorbed more air from the pump.
Synonyms:
2

to cause something to swell due to internal pressure

  • The pressure of the water distended the balloon until it nearly burst.
  • The doctor carefully explained how the trapped air distended the patient’s stomach.
  • They used a pump to distend the bladder for the medical procedure.
  • Excessive force distended the pipe, making it prone to leakage.
  • The illness had distended her abdomen, causing significant discomfort.