amplify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.
-
to expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding.
-
Electricity. to increase the amplitude of; cause amplification in.
-
Archaic. to exaggerate.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to increase in size, extent, effect, etc, as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand
-
electronics to produce amplification of (electrical signals); increase the amplitude of (signals)
-
(tr) to exaggerate
-
(intr) to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc
Other Word Forms
- amplifiable adjective
- overamplify verb
- unamplifiable adjective
- unamplified adjective
Etymology
Origin of amplify
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen, from Middle French amplifier, from Latin amplificāre “to increase, augment”; equivalent to ample + -ify
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its goal appeared to be to amplify global alarm, which could create pressure to de-escalate the fighting, Dania Thafer, executive director of the Washington-based Gulf International Forum, said on social media.
Bafta told the BBC on Friday they looked into the microphone and had assured StudioCanal, which made I Swear, that it was not amplifying the sound in the room or the broadcast.
From BBC
If trust in marks, ratings or valuations were to evaporate, the lack of transparent price discovery could lead to a sudden rush for liquidity by retail investors that would amplify stress.
From MarketWatch
“In situations like this, social media can amplify the chaos,” Fernández said.
From Los Angeles Times
“The outcome will also likely impact market confidence in the remainder of the drilling program, potentially amplifying the share price reaction to success or failure at Isabella,” analyst Nik Burns says.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
