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outstretch

[out-strech]
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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.
  3. to stretch beyond: His behavior outstretches my patience.
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Origin of outstretch

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at out-, stretch
Related formsout·stretch·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for outstretch

Historical Examples

  • There is something tragic to me in the outstretch of a city.

    The Spell of Switzerland

    Nathan Haskell Dole

  • In the outstretch, for the second time, Aramis shot forward like the arrow from a bended bow.

  • The minister was mentioning names, too, but the girl had her back to them and was studying the outstretch.

    The House of Fulfilment

    George Madden Martin

British Dictionary definitions for outstretch

outstretch

verb (tr)
  1. to extend or expand; stretch out
  2. to stretch or extend beyond
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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

Word Origin and History for outstretch

v.

mid-14c., from out + stretch (v.). Related: Outstretched; outstretching.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper