Main Entry: dwell

Pronunciation: \ˈdwel\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dwelled \ˈdweld, ˈdwelt\ or dwelt \ˈdwelt\; dwelling

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry

Date: 13th century

1 : to remain for a time
2 a : to live as a resident b : exist, lie
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