English Dictionary

Definition of “dwell

dwell (dwɛlPronunciation for dwell

Definitions

verb

Word forms: dwells, dwelling, dwelt, dwɛlt, dwelled
(intr)
  1. formal literary to live as a permanent resident
  2. to live (in a specified state)  ⇒ to dwell in poverty 

noun

  1. a regular pause in the operation of a machine
  2. a flat or constant-radius portion on a linear or rotary cam enabling the cam follower to remain static for a brief time

Alternative Forms

ˈdweller noun

Word Origin

Old English dwellan  to seduce, get lost; related to Old Saxon bidwellian  to prevent, Old Norse dvelja,  Old High German twellen to prevent

Usage examples

  • Nevertheless its folk are seldom seen, and maybe they dwell now deep in the woods and far from the northern border.
    J.R.R. Tolkien, THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2004)
  • I am an optimist, and do not like to dwell on failures for long.
    Business Today (1999)
  • But Fisher won't dwell on the statistical advantage in Test experience of the Stormers backs.
    Courier, Sunday Mail (2005)
  • But Harper is looking ahead to the opening game against Villa rather than dwell on Saturday's defeat.
    Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2003)
  • She was aware of the effect that she had on the men she met, but she usually chose not to dwell on it.
    Will Davenport, THE PAINTER (2003)

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