magnify

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmagnɪfʌɪ/

verb (magnifies, magnifying, magnified)

[with object]
  • 1make (something) appear larger than it is, especially with a lens or microscope: the retinal image will be magnified
  • increase or exaggerate the importance or effect of: you had problems before you went to Vietnam, and 'Nam magnified them
  • 2 archaic praise highly; glorify: praise the Lord and magnify Him

Derivatives

magnifier

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the senses 'show honour to (God') and 'make greater'): from Old French magnifier or Latin magnificare, based on Latin magnus 'great'. magnify (sense 1) dates from the mid 17th century