outstretch

[ out-strech ]
See synonyms for: outstretchoutstretched on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to stretch forth; extend: to outstretch one's hand in welcome.

  2. to stretch out; expand: The rising population has outstretched the city.

  1. to stretch beyond: His behavior outstretches my patience.

Origin of outstretch

1
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.

  • 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!

  • 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)
  1. to extend or expand; stretch out

  2. 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