fatten

[ fat-n ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make fat.
2. to feed (animals) abundantly before slaughter.
3. to enrich:

   to fatten the soil; to fatten one's pocketbook.

4. Cards.
   1. Poker. to increase the number of chips in (a pot).
   2. Pinochle. to play a card that scores high on (a trick) expected to be taken by a partner.

verb (used without object)

1. to grow fat.

fatten

/ ˈfætən /

verb

1. to grow or cause to grow fat or fatter
2. tr to cause (an animal or fowl) to become fat by feeding it
3. tr to make fuller or richer
4. tr to enrich (soil) by adding fertilizing agents

Derived Forms

• ˈfattenable, adjective
• ˈfattener, noun
• ˈfattening, adjective

Other Words From

• fatten·a·ble adjective
• fatten·er noun
• over·fatten verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fatten¹

First recorded in 1545–55; fat + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Typically, once calves reach six or eight months, they are weaned and sent to larger, industrial pastures to roam in vast herds, fattening on grass, though this pastoral interlude is a short one.

From Salon

Adam worries over his physique, which he has tried to mold with Doritos, squats and a drug designed to fatten up livestock, “specifically sheep.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is so-called because the process of “fattening the pig” - gaining the victim’s trust - is vital to its success.

From BBC

"The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter is banned throughout Greece," the agriculture ministry said.

From BBC

Mountain goats deal with heavy snow, and have a short window of time to fatten up before the thick of winter.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• augment
• broaden
• build up
• swell