Mag"ni*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Magnified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Magnifying (?).] [OE. magnifien, F. magnifier, L. magnificare. See Magnific.]

1.

To make great, or greater; to increase the dimensions of; to amplify; to enlarge, either in fact or in appearance; as, the microscope magnifies the object by a thousand diameters.

The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a great one . . . be proportionately magnified. Grew.

2.

To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or respect in which one is held.

On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel. Joshua iv. 14.

3.

To praise highly; to land; to extol.

[Archaic]

O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Ps. xxxiv. 3.

4.

To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty.

To magnify one's self Script., to exhibit pride and haughtiness; to boast. -- To magnify one's self against Script., to oppose with pride.

 

© Webster 1913.


Mag"ni*fy, v. i.

1.

To have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they really are; to increase the apparent dimensions of objects; as, some lenses magnify but little.

2.

To have effect; to be of importance or significance.

[Cant & Obs.]

Spectator.

Magnifying glass, a lens which magnifies the apparent dimensions of objects seen through it.

 

© Webster 1913.