aggrandizement

[ uh-gran-diz-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act or instance of aggrandizing, or increasing in size, or intensity:

   aggrandizement of mercantile trade in the early colonies.

2. the act of making something appear greater than is actually warranted by the facts:

   Some saw it as ego aggrandizement.

3. expansion of power, wealth, rank, or honor:

   The department was used for the aggrandizement of its leaders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrandizement¹

1655–1665; aggrandize ( def ) + -ment, influenced by French agrandissement, aggrandissement

Example Sentences

“I am loath to bless this aggrandizement of judicial power where Congress has so plainly limited the discretion of the courts, and where it so clearly intends for the expert agency it has created to make the primary determinations about both merits and process,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Ego and corrupt special interests motivated some presidents, but the best put aside personal aggrandizement and plutocratic backers to strive for the common good in a diverse and dynamic nation.

From Seattle Times

When it’s literal deaths—like victims of gun violence or abortion bans—or a massive aggrandizement of judicial power—like subjecting every federal regulation or gun law to close scrutiny—well, if history demands it, so be it.

From Slate

Russia planted both its feet on the wrong side of history, morally speaking, by launching a brutal and unprovoked 19th century–style imperial war of territorial aggrandizement against a much smaller and weaker democratizing neighbor.

From Slate

“But the answer to these problems is not the unchecked aggrandizement of executive power.”

From Slate