Main Entry: ex·tend

Pronunciation: \ik-ˈstend\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French estendre, from Latin extendere, from ex- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to spread or stretch forth : unbend <extended both her arms>
2 a : to stretch out to fullest length b : to cause (as a horse) to move at full stride c : to exert (oneself) to full capacity <could work long and hard without seeming to extend himself> d (1) : to increase the bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier) (2) : adulterate
3 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin extendere (from Latin) or Anglo-French estendre, from Old French] a British : to take possession of (as lands) by a writ of extent b obsolete : to take by force
4 a : to make the offer of : proffer <extending aid to the needy> <extending their greetings> b : to make available <extending credit to customers>
5 a : to cause to reach (as in distance or scope) <national authority was extended over new territories> b : to cause to be longer : prolong <extend the side of a triangle> <extended their visit another day>; also : to prolong the time of payment of c : advance, further <extending her potential through job training>
6 a : to cause to be of greater area or volume : enlarge <extended the patio to the back of the house> b : to increase the scope, meaning, or application of : broaden <beauty, I suppose, opens the heart, extends the consciousness — Algernon Blackwood> c archaic : exaggerateintransitive verb 1 : to stretch out in distance, space, or time : reach <their jurisdiction extended over the whole area>
2 : to reach in scope or application <his concern extends beyond mere business to real service to his customers>

— ex·tend·abil·i·ty \-ˌsten-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ex·tend·able also ex·tend·ible \-ˈsten-də-bəl\ adjective

synonyms extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length. extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range <extend a vacation> <extend welfare services> <lengthen a skirt> <lengthen the workweek>. prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits <prolonged illness>. protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness <protracted litigation>.