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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Magnify \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.
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The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a
great one . . . be proportionately magnified.
--Grew.
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2. To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or
respect in which one is held.
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On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight
of all Israel. --Joshua iv.
14.
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3. To praise highly; to laud; to extol. [Archaic]
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O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his
name together. --Ps. xxxiv.
3.
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4. To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty.
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{To magnify one's self} (Script.), to exhibit pride and
haughtiness; to boast.

{To magnify one's self against} (Script.), to oppose with
pride.
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Magnify \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.
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2. To have effect; to be of importance or significance. [Cant
& Obs.] --Spectator.
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