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engorge

verb

/ɛnˈgɔrdʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of engorge

To become swollen, congested, or filled to capacity, often in reference to blood vessels or bodily tissues.
"Bites from venomous snakes can cause the affected limb to engorge."

Detailed meaning of engorge

When something engorges, it typically involves an increase in size, volume, or pressure as it fills with fluid or substance. For example, when a person is exposed to allergens, their nasal passages may engorge, leading to congestion and difficulty breathing. Similarly, during sexual arousal, blood vessels in specific areas of the body may engorge with blood, resulting in increased sensitivity and physical responses. This term is often used in medical and physiological contexts to describe the expansion or swelling of body parts due to various factors, such as inflammation, stimulation, or increased blood flow.

Example sentences containing engorge

1. The bee's stinger caused my hand to engorge with pain and swelling.
2. After the meal, her stomach would engorge with a feeling of fullness.
3. Allergy symptoms can cause nasal tissues to engorge, leading to congestion.
4. During pregnancy, some women's feet may engorge due to increased fluid retention.
5. The river would engorge after heavy rainfall, flooding the nearby fields.
6. Inflamed sinuses can engorge and cause severe headaches.

History and etymology of engorge

The verb 'engorge' traces its etymology to the Old French word 'gorge,' which means 'throat' or 'gullet.' In its early usage, 'engorge' referred to the act of filling the throat or gullet, often in the context of eating or swallowing. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of something becoming filled or swollen to capacity. This transformation reflects the notion of a passage or vessel, such as a blood vessel, becoming congested or filled to an excessive degree. 'Engorge' is now commonly used in both medical and general contexts to describe the swelling or congestion of various bodily tissues, particularly blood vessels, when they become excessively filled, often as a result of physiological processes or medical conditions.

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Further usage examples of engorge

1. Overeating can cause the digestive system to engorge, leading to discomfort.
2. The mosquito's bite made my skin engorge with redness and itching.
3. The tumor caused the surrounding tissues to engorge and become painful.
4. In response to cold weather, blood vessels in the skin can engorge.
5. When aroused, blood rushes to the genitals, causing them to engorge.
6. The snake can engorge itself with a large meal.
7. Blood vessels in the injured area may engorge to aid in the healing process.
8. The storm caused the river to engorge rapidly.
9. Overeating can cause the stomach to engorge, leading to discomfort.
10. During pregnancy, some women may notice their ankles engorge.
11. The chef watched the pastry cream engorge as it simmered.
12. In times of scarcity, animals tend to engorge when food is available.
13. Allergic reactions can cause the lips to engorge and become swollen.
14. The river can engorge its banks during heavy rains.
15. The medical condition caused his legs to engorge painfully.
16. The feast made everyone engorge themselves with delicious food.
17. Pollen allergies may cause the sinuses to engorge, leading to congestion.
18. The swelling caused by the bee sting made her hand engorge.
19. Excessive salt intake can cause the ankles to engorge with fluid.
20. During mating season, male frogs may engorge to attract females.
21. Inflammatory responses can make tissues around the injury site engorge.
22. The floodwaters continued to engorge as the rain persisted.
23. Certain medications can lead to blood vessels to engorge.
24. High humidity can cause wooden doors to engorge and become difficult to open.