expand (ɪkˈspænd
)
Definitions
verb
- to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase
- to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out
- (intr) often foll by on to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail
- (intr) to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative
- mathematics to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms
Alternative Forms
exˈpandable adjectiveWord Origin
C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extendSynonyms
View thesaurus entry= get bigger
increase,
grow,
extend,
swell,
widen,
blow up,
wax,
heighten,
enlarge,
multiply,
inflate,
thicken,
fill out,
lengthen,
fatten,
dilate,
become bigger
puff up,
become larger
distend,
Usage examples
Pinching her upper arms, she squeezed them against her body, as if expecting to see flesh expand into biceps.
, Final Resort (1994)He now hopes corporate sponsors will come in, to allow the programme to expand rapidly.
New Scientist (2003)But he said the company's decision to stick resolutely to projected numbers was restricting opportunities to expand in other markets.
Irish Times (2002)The obvious answer in a situation like that is to stay put and expand where you are.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The more you expand into ecstasy, the more subtle the energy realms become.
, MOVING INTO ECSTASY: An Urban Mystic's Guide to Movement, Music and Meditation (2001)