amplify

[am-pluh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

amplified, amplifying 

1. to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.

   Synonyms: heighten, intensify, increase
   Antonyms: reduce, contract

2. to expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding.

   Synonyms: develop, broaden, widen
   Antonyms: abridge, condense

3. Electricity.,  to increase the amplitude of; cause amplification in.

4. Archaic.,  to exaggerate.

verb (used without object)

amplified, amplifying 

1. to discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, etc. (usually followed byon ).

   The preacher amplified on the theme of brotherly love.

amplify

/ ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to increase in size, extent, effect, etc, as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand

2. electronics to produce amplification of (electrical signals); increase the amplitude of (signals)

3. (tr) to exaggerate

4. (intr) to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc

Other Word Forms

• amplifiable adjective
• overamplify verb
• unamplifiable adjective
• unamplified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen, from Middle French amplifier, from Latin amplificāre “to increase, augment”; equivalent to ample + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplificāre to enlarge, from amplus spacious + facere to make

Example Sentences

A turning point: Gabriel learned that the ill effects of certain synthetic food dyes can be amplified in children who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Notably, the research team found that quantum geometric effects amplify this switching by about 100 times.

Read more on Science Daily

There was a lengthy interview with the subject herself, replete with quotes meant to amplify her image as an iconoclast and a force to be reckoned with.

Read more on Salon

It is not as if Salah has changed his role this season but, because he is not scoring at the other end, maybe the defensive side of his game is amplified.

Read more on BBC

Waving giant Palestinian flags and holding flares they shouted "we're blocking everything", then marched through a long tunnel which amplified their chants as police stood back and watched.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• augment 
• deepen 
• exaggerate 
• heighten 
• intensify 
• magnify 
• strengthen