magnify

Universal Words verb (magnifies, magnifying, magnified, magnified) [VN] 1 to make sth look bigger than it really is, for example by using a LENS or MICROSCOPE: bacteria magnified to 1000 times their actual size * an image magnified by a factor of 4 2 to make sth bigger, louder or stronger: The sound was magnified by the high roof. * The dry summer has magnified the problem of water shortages. 3 to make sth seem more important or serious than it really is SYNEXAGGERATE