B2verb1K

Swallow

UK /["/ˈswɒləʊ/","/ˈswɒləʊz/","/ˈswɒləʊd/","/ˈswɒləʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈswɑːləʊ/","/ˈswɑːləʊz/","/ˈswɑːləʊd/","/ˈswɑːləʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach

In simple words: To make something go down your throat.

Examples

  • Be sure to swallow the medicine with a full glass of water.
  • It's important not to swallow too quickly when eating hot food.
  • She tried to swallow her disappointment and stay calm.
  • He refused to swallow the explanation because it seemed unconvincing.
  • The bird made a quick swallow of the small insect before flying away.

Usage notes

Used when discussing eating or drinking. Not appropriate in very formal contexts or when discussing matters unrelated to consumption.

Grammar pattern

swallow + object

Memory hint

Think of a bird 'swallowing' its food quickly, or the action of making food disappear down your throat.

Collocations

  • hastily
  • quickly
  • accidentally
  • swallow something whole
  • deeply
  • hard
  • convulsively
  • have difficulty swallowing
  • have trouble swallowing

Synonyms

  • consume
  • ingest
  • gulp
  • down
  • take

Antonyms

  • spit
  • vomit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'swaddle' (to wrap in cloth)
  • Using it as a standalone without an object (incorrect grammar)
  • Mixing up present and past tense forms (swallowed vs swallow)