Main Entry: mag·ni·fy

Pronunciation: \ˈmag-nə-ˌfī\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): mag·ni·fied; mag·ni·fy·ing

Etymology: Middle English magnifien, from Anglo-French magnifier, from Latin magnificare, from magnificus

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : extol, laud b : to cause to be held in greater esteem or respect
2 a : to increase in significance : intensify b : exaggerate <magnifies every minor issue to crisis proportions>
3 : to enlarge in fact or in appearanceintransitive verb : to have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they are