verb (used with object)
1.
to take into the stomach by drawing through the throat and esophagus with a voluntary muscular action, as food, drink, or other substances.
2.
to take in so as to envelop; withdraw from sight; assimilate or absorb:
He was swallowed by the crowd.
3.
to accept without question or suspicion.
4.
to accept without opposition; put up with:
to swallow an insult.
5.
to accept for lack of an alternative:
Consumers will have to swallow new price hikes.
6.
to suppress (emotion, a laugh, a sob, etc.) as if by drawing it down one's throat.
7.
to take back; retract:
to swallow one's words.