distend

Distend is a verb that means to swell or enlarge, typically by internal pressure, or to cause something to swell. It can describe a body part or object that becomes larger, or the act of making it larger. The related noun distension (also distention) denotes the state of being distended or the process of distending.

The term comes from Latin distendere, formed from dis- meaning apart and tendere meaning to stretch. Over time, distend acquired its sense of outward expansion due to internal pressure or force.

Medical uses are common. Abdominal distention refers to a swollen or bloated abdomen that can result from gas, fluid accumulation, obstruction, or other conditions. Jugular venous distension describes visible widening of the neck veins, indicating elevated central venous pressure. Distension is also used to describe dilation of other hollow organs or vessels, such as the bladder or intestines, when they are stretched beyond their normal size.

In nonmedical contexts, distend often describes objects that expand when inflated, such as a balloon distending as it fills with air. It can also describe the physical consequence of pressure applied to a container or membrane, where an internal force causes outward swelling. While distension can be a normal response in some scenarios, persistent or excessive distension may signal underlying pathology or mechanical obstruction in biological systems.