Meaning & Definition of word "Fatten"

Fatten

/ˈfætən/

verb:

  • 1. To make (someone or something) fat or plump.
    • Example: Farmers often fatten their livestock before sending them to market.
  • 2. To provide food or nourishment to increase weight.
    • Example: In the spring, we help fatten the chickens so they lay more eggs.
  • 3. To enrich or improve the quality of something.
    • Example: The new policy was designed to fatten the economy after the recession.

Etymology

Middle English 'fatten', from fat + -en (verb suffix).

Common Phrases and Expressions

fatten the calves:

To prepare or ready for something significant, often in abundance.

fatten your wallet:

To increase one's wealth or financial resources.

Related Words

fat:

Having a large amount of body fat.

fattening:

Having the effect of causing weight gain.

Slang Meanings of fatten

Meaning: To indulge excessively.

Example Sentence: After the holidays, I really fattened on all those treats!

Meaning: To gain weight quickly.

Example Sentence: He was so stressed he started to fatten without realizing it.