amplify

[ am-pluh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, am·pli·fied, am·pli·fy·ing.

1. to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.

   Synonyms: heighten, intensify, increase

   Antonyms: reduce, contract

2. to expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding.

   Synonyms: develop, broaden, widen

   Antonyms: abridge, condense

3. Electricity. to increase the amplitude of; cause amplification in.
4. Archaic. to exaggerate.

verb (used without object)

, am·pli·fied, am·pli·fy·ing.

1. to discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, etc. (usually followed by on ):

   The preacher amplified on the theme of brotherly love.

amplify

/ ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to increase in size, extent, effect, etc, as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand
2. electronics to produce amplification of (electrical signals); increase the amplitude of (signals)
3. tr to exaggerate
4. intr to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈampliˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• ampli·fia·ble adjective
• over·ampli·fy verb overamplified overamplifying
• un·ampli·fia·ble adjective
• un·ampli·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English amplifyen, from Middle French amplifier, from Latin amplificāre “to increase, augment”; equivalent to ample + -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplify¹

C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplificāre to enlarge, from amplus spacious + facere to make

Example Sentences

"By amplifying the fusion cross section, more power can be produced from the same amount of fuel," said Parisi.

From Science Daily

Tapping these discs and plates generates useful voltage that if amplified could be used to charge electronic devices using everyday forces.

From Science Daily

In the live performance, the musicians collided with a soundtrack of overly amplified spoken voices and environmental sounds.

From Los Angeles Times

His party closed ranks behind him and relentlessly amplified his message.

From Salon

Headphones like Apple's AirPods Pro 2 can amplify the voice of the person in front of the wearer while reducing some background noise.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• augment
• deepen
• exaggerate
• heighten
• intensify
• magnify
• strengthen