embiggen
Americanverb (used with or without object)
Etymology
Origin of embiggen
First recorded in 1880–85 as an example of a barbarism; made popular in 1996 in an episode of the TV show The Simpsons; em- 1 ( def. ) + big 1 ( def. ) + -en 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But unlike comics Kamala, who develops the power to embiggen parts of her body through the Inhuman terrigenesis process, Ms. Marvel’s Kamala’s abilities are apparently more cosmic in nature and involve her making energy constructs.
From The Verge • Mar. 15, 2022
It’s unclear when they plan to embiggen the database once again.
From Fox News • Mar. 11, 2021
Marvel Comics, whose character Ms Marvel has the power to embiggen herself, also tweeted about the addition to the dictionary.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2018
His is a noble spirit that could embiggen the smallest soul, and I know a great deal more about quartzite than I did before.
From Slate • Sep. 26, 2016
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
