magnify

views updated

mag·ni·fy / ˈmagnəˌfī/ • v. (-fies, -fied) [tr.] 1. make (something) appear larger than it is, esp. with a lens or microscope: the camera's zoom mode can magnify a certain area if required. ∎  [intr.] be capable of increasing the size or apparent size of something: a pair of binoculars that magnify about eight power. ∎  increase the volume of (a sound). ∎  intensify: the risk is magnified if there is any dirty material next to the skin. ∎  exaggerate the importance or effect of: she tended to magnify the defects of those she disliked.2. archaic extol; glorify: praise the Lord and magnify Him.DERIVATIVES: mag·ni·fi·er / -ˌfīər/ n.

More From encyclopedia.com