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 Synonym Discussion at increase

Rhymes with ENLARGE

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

en·large

verb \in-ˈlärj\   (Medical Dictionary)

en·larged; en·larg·ing

Medical Definition of ENLARGE

transitive verb

: to make larger

intransitive verb

: to grow larger