expand

[ ik-spand ]

verb (used with object)

1. to increase in extent, size, volume, scope, etc.:

   Heat expands most metals. He hopes to expand his company.

   Synonyms: enlarge, swell, extend

2. to spread or stretch out; unfold:

   A bird expands its wings.

3. to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop:

   to expand a short story into a novel.

4. Mathematics.
   1. to write (a mathematical expression) so as to show the products of its factors. Compare factor ( def 10 ).
   2. to rewrite (a mathematical expression) as a sum, product, etc., of terms of a particular kind:

      to expand a function in a power series.

verb (used without object)

1. to increase or grow in extent, bulk, scope, etc.:

   Most metals expand with heat. The mind expands with experience.

2. to spread out; unfold; develop:

   The buds had not yet expanded.

3. to express something more fully or in greater detail (usually followed by on or upon ):

   to expand on a statement.

expand

/ ɪkˈspænd /

verb

1. to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase
2. to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out
3. introften foll byon to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc) in detail
4. intr to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative
5. maths to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms

Derived Forms

• exˈpandable, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·panda·ble ex·pandi·ble adjective
• ex·panda·bili·ty ex·pandi·bili·ty noun
• nonex·panding adjective
• over·ex·pand verb
• preex·pand verb (used with object)
• reex·pand verb
• self-ex·panding adjective
• super·ex·pand verb
• unex·panda·ble adjective
• unex·panding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expand¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English expanden, from Latin expandere “to spread out,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + pandere “to extend, stretch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of expand¹

C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extend

Synonym Study

Expand, dilate, distend, inflate imply becoming larger and filling more space. To expand is to spread out, usually in every direction: to expand one's chest. To dilate is especially to increase the width or circumference, and applies to space enclosed within confines or to hollow bodies: to dilate the pupils of the eyes. To distend is to stretch, often beyond the point of natural expansion: to distend an artery. To inflate is to blow out or swell a hollow body with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.

Example Sentences

The body expanded and diversified its membership and implemented a new code of conduct, including a ban on gifts and new rules on members accepting travel and other perks.

From BBC

Growers have also planted vast new pistachio orchards over the last decade, dramatically expanding production as they have sought to capitalize on the lucrative crop.

From Los Angeles Times

In November, the task force drafted a plan for reducing the cost and expanding the availability of childcare, Restaurant Business reported.

From Salon

The agency’s desire to expand its immigration lockups predates Trump’s election.

From Los Angeles Times

"Ship-strike risk is a ubiquitous yet solvable conservation challenge for large whales, and our results can provide a foundation for expanded management measures to protect these ocean giants."

From Salon

Related Words

• bolster
• broaden
• develop
• enlarge
• grow
• increase
• open
• spread
• swell
• widen