Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Amplify?

\Am"pli*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Amplified}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Amplifying}.] [F. amplifier, L. amplificare. See {Ample}, {-fy}.] 1. To render larger, more extended, or more intense, and the like; -- used especially of telescopes, microscopes, etc. 2. (Rhet.) To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to expand; to make much of. Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard author, but much amplified by our English translator. --Dryden.
\Am"pli*fy\, v. i. 1. To become larger. [Obs.] Strait was the way at first, withouten light, But further in did further amplify. --Fairfax. 2. To speak largely or copiously; to be diffuse in argument or description; to dilate; to expatiate; -- often with on or upon. --Watts. He must often enlarge and amplify upon the subject he handles. --South.