annex

¹an·nex

verb \ə-ˈneks, ˈa-ˌneks\

Definition of ANNEX

transitive verb

1

: to attach as a quality, consequence, or condition

2

archaic : to join together materially : unite

3

: to add to something earlier, larger, or more important

4

: to incorporate (a country or other territory) within the domain of a state

5

: to obtain or take for oneself

— an·nex·a·tion \ˌa-ˌnek-ˈsā-shən\ noun

— an·nex·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— an·nex·a·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

Examples of ANNEX

1. The United States annexed Texas in 1845.
2. The government planned to annex the islands.

Origin of ANNEX

Middle English, from Anglo-French annexer, from annexe attached, from Latin annexus, past participle of annectere to bind to, from ad- + nectere to bind

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ANNEX

Synonyms: adjoin, add, append, subjoin, tack (on)

Antonyms: abate, bate, deduct, knock off, remove, subtract, take off

Related Words: affix, attach, fasten, fix, graft, hitch, tag, tie; infuse, inject, insert, interfuse, introduce; aggrandize, amplify, augment, beef (up), boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell up; elongate, lengthen, prolong, protract; enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify; complement, supplement, supply; enforce, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; maximize

Near Antonyms: detach, disconnect, disjoin, separate, unfasten; amputate, cut, excise, lop (off), sever; contract, decrease, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce; abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten; compress, condense, constrict, cut back, retrench

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