expand

Definitions

1. 1transitive verb

   To lay open by extending; to open wide; to spread out; to diffuse; as, a flower expands its leaves.

2. 2transitive verb

   To cause the particles or parts of to spread themselves or stand apart, thus increasing bulk without addition of substance; to make to occupy more space; to dilate; to distend; to extend every way; to enlarge; -- opposed to contract; as, to expand the chest; heat expands all bodies; to expand the sphere of benevolence.

3. 3transitive verb

   To state in enlarged form; to develop; as, to expand an equation. See Expansion, 5.

4. 4intransitive verb

   To become widely opened, spread apart, dilated, distended, or enlarged; as, flowers expand in the spring; metals expand by heat; the heart expands with joy.

5. 5verb

   become larger in size or volume or quantity

   "his business expanded rapidly"

6. 6verb

   exaggerate or make bigger

   "The charges were inflated"

   Synonyms

   amplifyinflate
7. 7verb

   grow vigorously

   "The deer population in this town is thriving"

   "business is booming"

   Synonyms

   boomflourishthrive
8. 8verb

   expand the influence of

   "The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent"

   Synonyms

   extend
9. 9verb

   make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity

   "expand the house by adding another wing"

10. 10verb

    add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing

    "She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation"

    Synonyms

    dilateelaborateenlargeexpatiateexpositexpoundlucubrate
11. 11verb

    extend in one or more directions

    "The dough expands"