swallow1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈswɒləʊ/

verb

[with object]
  • 1cause or allow (something, especially food or drink) to pass down the throat: she swallowed a mouthful slowly
  • [no object] perform the muscular movement of the oesophagus required to do this, especially through fear or nervousness: she swallowed hard, sniffing back her tears
  • put up with or meekly accept (something unwelcome): he seemed ready to swallow any insult
  • believe unquestioningly (a lie or unlikely assertion): she had swallowed his story hook, line, and sinker
  • resist expressing (a feeling) or uttering (words): he swallowed his pride
  • 2take in and cause to disappear; engulf: the dark mist swallowed her up
  • completely use up (money or resources): debts swallowed up most of the money he had got for the house

noun

  • an act of swallowing something, especially food or drink: he downed his drink in one swallow
  • an amount of something swallowed in one action: a swallow of beer

Derivatives

swallowable

adjective

Origin:

Old English swelgan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zwelgen and German schwelgen