First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
dwell
verb \ˈdwel\
: to live in a particular place
dwelled \ˈdweld, ˈdwelt\ or dwelt \ˈdwelt\ dwelling
Full Definition of DWELL
intransitive verb
1
: to remain for a time
3
a : to keep the attention directed —used with on or upon <tried not to dwell on my fears> b : to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon <reporters dwelling on the recent scandal>
— dwell·er noun
See dwell defined for English-language learners
See dwell defined for kids
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Origin of DWELL
Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry
Related to DWELL
- Synonyms
- abide, 1stay, hang around, remain, stick around, tarry
DWELL Defined for Kids
dwell
verb \ˈdwel\
dwelt \ˈdwelt\ or dwelled \ˈdweld\dwell·ing
Definition of DWELL for Kids
1
: to live in a place : reside
2
: to keep the attention directed <Try not to dwell on your mistakes.>
— dwell·er noun <cave dwellers>
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