enlarge

verb en·large \in-ˈlärj, en-\

: to make (something) larger or to become larger

en·largeden·larg·ing

Full Definition of ENLARGE

transitive verb

: to make larger : extend <enlarged the family fortune with new investments>

: to give greater scope to : expand <education may enlarge one's view of the world>

: to set free (as a captive)

intransitive verb

: to grow larger

: to speak or write at length : elaborate <let me enlarge upon that point>

— en·large·able \-ˈlär-jə-bəl\ adjective

— en·larg·er noun

See enlarge defined for English-language learners

See enlarge defined for kids

Origin of ENLARGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French enlarger, enlargir, from en- + large broad, large

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ENLARGE

Synonyms: accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, build up, burgeon (also bourgeon), climb, increase, escalate, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax

Antonyms: contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Synonym Discussion of ENLARGE

increase, enlarge, augment, multiply mean to make or become greater. increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity <his waistline increased with age>; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition <increased her landholdings>. enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity <enlarged the kitchen>. augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed <the inheritance augmented his fortune>. multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process <with each attempt the problems multiplied>.