extend

 
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈstɛnd, ɛk-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1cause to cover a wider area; make larger: the car park has been extended
  • cause to last longer: they asked the government to extend its period of deliberation
  • straighten or spread out (the body or a limb or device) at full length: hold the index finger down with the thumb extended (as adjective extending) a case with wheels and an extending handle
  • [no object] spread from a central point to cover a wider area: the damage extended 400 yards either side of the shop
  • [no object] occupy a specified area: the mountains extend over the western end of the island
  • [no object] (extend to) be applicable to: her generosity did not extend to all adults
  • 2hold (something) out towards someone: I nod and extend my hand
  • offer or make available: she extended an invitation to her to stay
  • 3cause (someone or something) to exert the utmost effort: horses have the strength of character to extend themselves to their utmost limit

Derivatives

extendability

Pronunciation: /-dəˈbɪlɪti/
noun

extendable

adjective

extendibility

Pronunciation: /-dɪˈbɪlɪti/
noun

extendible

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin extendere 'stretch out', from ex- 'out' + tendere 'stretch'