outstretch

[ out-strech ]
See synonyms for: outstretchoutstretched on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to stretch forth; extend: to outstretch one's hand in welcome.

  2. to stretch out; expand: The rising population has outstretched the city.

  1. to stretch beyond: His behavior outstretches my patience.

Origin of outstretch

1
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at out-, stretch

Other words from outstretch

  • outstretcher, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use outstretch in a sentence

  • Was it his moment of iron self-mastery that brought her with outstretched, clinging arms towards him?

    The Wave | Algernon Blackwood
  • Tim, with face flushed and hands outstretched in protest, arose from his chair and went to the bedside.

  • Then he said something in a language Matt could not understand, and took a step toward Clip, with hand outstretched.

    Motor Matt's "Century" Run | Stanley R. Matthews
  • And he had seen her arms outstretched, felt her arms placed beneath him—the arms that bore him up, brought him to safety.

    The Everlasting Arms | Joseph Hocking
  • Dr. Varney pulled himself together promptly and took Jessie's outstretched hand.

    The Weight of the Crown | Fred M. White

British Dictionary definitions for outstretch

outstretch

/ (ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ) /


verb(tr)
  1. to extend or expand; stretch out

  2. to stretch or extend beyond

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012