Main Entry: ag·gran·dize

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈgran-ˌdīz also ˈa-grən-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ag·gran·dized; ag·gran·diz·ing

Etymology: French agrandiss-, stem of agrandir, from a- (from Latin ad-) + grandir to increase, from Latin grandire, from grandis great

Date: 1634

1 : to make great or greater : increase, enlarge <aggrandize an estate>
2 : to make appear great or greater : praise highly
3 : to enhance the power, wealth, position, or reputation of <exploited the situation to aggrandize himself>

— ag·gran·dize·ment \ə-ˈgran-dəz-mənt, -ˌdīz- also ˌa-grən-ˈdīz-\ noun

— ag·gran·diz·er \ə-ˈgran-ˌdī-zər also ˈa-grən-\ noun