mag•ni•fyˈmæg nəˌfaɪ(v.)-fied, -fy•ing.

1. (v.t.)to increase the apparent size of.

2. to make greater in actual size; enlarge.

3. to exaggerate; overstate:

   to magnify one's difficulties.

4. to intensify; heighten.

5. to praise:

   to magnify the Lord.

6. (v.i.)to increase or be able to increase the apparent or actual size of an object.

Origin of magnify:

1350–1400; < L magnificāre. See magnific , -fy

mag′ni•fi`a•ble(adj.)