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Dictionary definition of swallow

To take something, usually food or liquid, into the mouth and down into the digestive system through the throat.
"He had to swallow his pride and apologize for his mistake."

Detailed meaning of swallow

It involves the voluntary contraction of the muscles in the throat and esophagus to move the substance from the mouth to the stomach. Swallowing is a natural physiological process that allows us to consume and digest food, enabling our bodies to extract nutrients and energy. It is an instinctive action that occurs effortlessly for most individuals, often accompanied by a reflexive closing of the epiglottis to prevent the substance from entering the airway. Swallowing can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of accepting or internalizing information, emotions, or ideas, suggesting a process of assimilation or absorption into one's understanding or belief system.

Example sentences of swallow

1. She struggles to swallow the large pill.
2. The snake can swallow prey much larger than itself.
3. He has to swallow his pride and apologize.
4. I accidentally swallow a bug while riding my bike.
5. The toddler tries to swallow everything in sight.
6. The competitive eater can swallow hot dogs in seconds.

History and etymology of swallow

The verb 'swallow' traces its linguistic roots back to the Old English word 'swelgan,' which is akin to the Old Norse word 'svelgja.' Both of these ancient terms share a common origin in the Proto-Germanic word 'swelgan,' which signifies 'to swallow' or 'to gulp down.' This ancestral word 'swelgan' embodies the action of taking something, typically food or liquid, into the mouth and guiding it down the throat into the digestive system. The term 'swallow' has retained its fundamental meaning and pronunciation over the centuries, reflecting the enduring nature of this essential human action.

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Further usage examples of swallow

1. The suspenseful twist in the movie made me swallow hard.
2. She manages to swallow her disappointment and congratulate her friend.
3. The frog extends its tongue to catch and swallow insects.
4. The doctor instructs the patient to swallow the medicine with water.
5. The nervous speaker takes a deep breath before swallowing her anxiety.
6. The boa constrictor can swallow whole rodents.
7. He finds it difficult to swallow the bitter truth.
8. She can't swallow spicy food due to her sensitive stomach.
9. The cat gobbles up the fish in one swift swallow.
10. He has to swallow his frustration and accept the outcome.
11. The old man chews his food slowly before swallowing.
12. She tries to swallow her fear and dive into the deep water.
13. The documentary made me swallow hard as I learned about the tragic events.
14. He has to swallow his anger and respond calmly.