Mag"ni*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Magnified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Magnifying (?).] [OE. magnifien, F. magnifier, L. magnificare. See Magnific.]
1.
To make great, or greater; to increase the dimensions of; to amplify; to enlarge, either in fact or in appearance; as, the microscope magnifies the object by a thousand diameters.
The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a great one . . . be proportionately magnified.
Grew.
2.
To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or respect in which one is held.
On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel.
Joshua iv. 14.
3.
To praise highly; to land; to extol.
[Archaic]
O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Ps. xxxiv. 3.
4.
To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty.
To magnify one's self Script., to exhibit pride and haughtiness; to boast. -- To magnify one's self against Script., to oppose with pride.
© Webster 1913.
Mag"ni*fy, v. i.
1.
To have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they really are; to increase the apparent dimensions of objects; as, some lenses magnify but little.
2.
To have effect; to be of importance or significance.
[Cant & Obs.]
Spectator.
Magnifying glass, a lens which magnifies the apparent dimensions of objects seen through it.
© Webster 1913.