Distend
hardNegative tonedis-TEND
verb
Definition
to swell or expand by internal pressure
Memory hook
disTEND: a balloon stretches/exTENDs in every direction until it's swollen and tight.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Gas from the fermenting batter caused the bag to distend.”
“Famine had distended the children's bellies.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Gas from the fermenting batter caused the bag to ______.”
Show answer
distend
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Distend is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "swell" or "bloat" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "contract".
Related GRE Words
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
augment
To make something greater by adding to it; increase
occlude
to block, obstruct, or close off
rarefy
to make less dense or thinner; to refine or make more esoteric
striated
marked with parallel grooves, ridges, or stripes
analogous
Comparable in certain respects; similar
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