widen

[ wahyd-n ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become wide or wider; broaden; expand.

widen

/ ˈwaɪdən /

verb

1. to make or become wide or wider

Derived Forms

• ˈwidener, noun

Other Words From

• widen·er noun
• re·widen verb
• un·widened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of widen¹

First recorded in 1600–10; wide + -en ¹

Example Sentences

One PSF basically describes how an infinitely small point source of light originating in the sample is widened and spread into a three-dimensional diffraction pattern by the optical system.

From Science Daily

Philp called for it to be widened to cover when police should deal with these incidents at all, to create "quite a high bar" and to avoid "wasting" their time and resources.

From BBC

For instance, a surgical operation can widen the opening at the base of the skull to reduce pressure on the brain and relieve certain symptoms in some Chiari type-1 patients.

From Science Daily

Already set in motion are cascading toxic effects on social discourse and political dynamics, marked by widening acceptance and promotion of overt bigotries and brandished hatreds.

From Salon

While the initial investigations surrounded discretionary commission arrangements, which were banned in 2021, the Court of Appeal decision widened the scope to any car finance commissions.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to
• broaden
• enlarge
• expand
• extend
• grow
• increase
• multiply
• stretch
• swell