enlarge

en·large

verb \in-ˈlärj, en-\

en·largeden·larg·ing

Definition of ENLARGE

transitive verb

1

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

2

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

3

: to set free (as a captive)

intransitive verb

1

: to grow larger

2

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

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

— en·larg·er noun

Examples of ENLARGE

1. We had the photograph enlarged.
2. <as the number of people with cell phones enlarges, more transmission towers will have to be built>

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

Related Words: jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge; heighten, intensify, redouble; blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up); crescendo, crest, peak

Near Antonyms: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten; compress, condense, constrict, contract; cut back, retrench

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at increase

Rhymes with ENLARGE

at-large, depth charge, discharge, fixed charge, litharge, recharge, surcharge, take-charge, uncharge, writ large