amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying

transitive verb

1
: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis
2
a
: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase
b
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
c
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas
Choose the Right Synonym for amplify

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal a receiver that amplified the television signal using spices to amplify the flavors of the food
Recent Examples on the Web The 16-year-old high school sophomore, who used they/them pronouns, and their death has amplified the country’s growing increase of anti-LGBTQ+ violence and bullying. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Granted, this time it’s been both amplified and accelerated, but the general idea remains the same. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024 Finally, the loss of in-person interactions, even if not among best friends, could amplify the loneliness that seems to characterize so much of modern life. Tom Saler, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 The war in Ukraine amplified the sense of vulnerability weighing on Taiwan’s leaders. John Liu, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Instead, the outlet quickly spliced Trump’s comments into a handful of clips and posted them online, amplifying his comments further. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Co-stars Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Scott Evans, and Ncuti Gatwa hopped on stage with the Barbie lead to join in on the fun, which was amplified even further when rock legend Slash joined the Kens to give the song an electric twist. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 In this collection, black is amplified, used to ponder Valentino’s signs and signifiers: rosettes, ruffles, embroidery and lace. Pino Gagliardi, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 In the 10 years of the Top 10 program, our list has helped amplify Detroit-area restaurants and chefs both locally and on a national stage. Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amplify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near amplify

Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplify. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amplify

verb
am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: enlarge sense 2
especially : to add details or illustrations to
amplify a statement
2
: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb
am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)
2
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
3
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

More from Merriam-Webster on amplify

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