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Webster 1913 Edition

Magnify

Mag′ni-fy

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Magnified
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Magnifying
.]
[OE.
magnifien
, F.
magnifier
, L.
magnificare
. See
Magnific
.]
1.
To make great, or greater; to increase the dimensions of; to amplify; to enlarge, either in fact or in appearance;
as, the microscope
magnifies
the object by a thousand diameters
.
The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a great one . . . be proportionately
magnified
.
Grew.
2.
To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or respect in which one is held.
On that day the Lord
magnified
Joshua in the sight of all Israel.
Joshua iv. 14.
3.
To praise highly; to laud; to extol.
[Archaic]
O,
magnify
the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Ps. xxxiv. 3.
4.
To exaggerate;
as, to
magnify
a loss or a difficulty
.
To magnify one’s self
(Script.)
,
to exhibit pride and haughtiness; to boast.
–
To magnify one's self against
(Script.)
,
to oppose with pride.

Mag′ni-fy

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they really are; to increase the apparent dimensions of objects;
as, some lenses
magnify
but little
.
2.
To have effect; to be of importance or significance.
[Cant & Obs.]
Spectator.

Webster 1828 Edition

Magnify

MAGNIFY

,
Verb.
T.
[L. magnifico; magnus, great, and facio, to make.]
1.
To make great or greater; to increase the apparent dimensions of a body. A convex lens magnifies the bulk of a body to the eye.
2.
To make great in representation; to extol; to exalt in description or praise. The embassador magnified the king and queen.
3.
To extol; to exalt; to elevate; to raise in estimation.
Thee that day
Thy thunders magnified.
The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly. 1 Chron. 29.
To magnify one's self, to raise in pride and pretensions.
He shall magnify in his heart. Dan.8.

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