outstretch

[ out-strech ]

See synonyms for: outstretch outstretched on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to stretch forth; extend: to outstretch one's hand in welcome.
to stretch out; expand: The rising population has outstretched the city.

to stretch beyond: His behavior outstretches my patience.

Origin of outstretch

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

Other words from outstretch

outstretcher, noun

Words Nearby outstretch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use outstretch in a sentence

On their left the great outstretch of valley and wood lay drowned in the suave uncertainties of the summer night.
The History of Sir Richard Calmady | Lucas Malet
Every morning will they thus outstretch themselves, every evening will they droop and wait—until he comes.
Lilith | George MacDonald
There is something tragic to me in the outstretch of a city.
The Spell of Switzerland | Nathan Haskell Dole
In act how bitter did he seem, with wings Buoyant outstretch'd and feet of nimblest tread!
The Vision of Hell, Complete | Dante Alighieri
However, the light will pale, the dusty miles outstretch their length once more, and the pilgrim find himself wearier than ever.
Idolatry | Julian Hawthorne

British Dictionary definitions for outstretch

outstretch

/ (ˌaʊtˈstrɛtʃ) /

verb(tr)

to extend or expand; stretch out
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

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