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anschwellen

to swell up, to become swollen

verb AHN-shvel-en Rare

Usage Note

anschwellen is separable and describes a body part swelling — from injury, inflammation, or allergy. Der Knöchel schwillt an (the ankle is swelling). Very common in medical and first-aid contexts. Distinguish from anwachsen (to grow onto).

Examples

"Nach dem Umknicken schwoll sein Knöchel sofort an."

Natural Translation

After the sprain his ankle swelled up immediately.

Literal Translation

After the rolling-over his ankle swelled immediately up.

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