amplify

American  

[am-pluh-fahy] / ˈæm pləˌfaɪ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of amplify

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

Explanation

The verb amplify means to crank up the volume. Speakers amplify, or raise, the volume of the noise coming through a microphone so that everyone at the rock show can hear. Amplify comes from the Old French word amplifier meaning "to enlarge or expand." It refers to making a sound “expand,” but it can also crank up something like a disagreement — if you spread rumors, you might amplify an argument. It can “enlarge” an idea — if you don't realize how bad your health is, your doctor might amplify your test results by explaining them to you in simple, and possibly frightening terms.

Example Sentences

The Amplify Cybersecurity ETF is up nearly 11% from its 2026 low hit in February, though it’s down about 9% over the past six months.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Amplify has already helped Yusuf Hussein to return to work, after he lost his driving licence and his job as a taxi driver and his relationship broke down.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Amplify Energy Corp., an oil and natural gas company with operations in offshore Southern California, said in a statement on Friday, that there were no indications that “this sheen is related to our operations.”

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Amplify Energy did not immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the findings or recommendations.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Amplify, am′pli-fī, v.t. to make more copious in expression: to add to.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Related Words

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