extend
ex.tend \ik-'stend\ \-'sten-d*-b*l\ vb [ME extenden, fr. MF or L; MF
estendre, fr. L extendere, fr.] [ME extenden, fr. ML extendere (fr. L) or
AF estendre, fr. OF]ex- + tendere to stretch - more at THIN Brit 1a: to
assess the value of (as lands) Brit 1b: to take possession of by a writ
of extent obs 1c: to take by force 2: to spread or stretch forth :
UNBEND 3a: to stretch out to fullest length 3b: to cause (as a horse) to
move at full stride 3c: to exert (oneself) to full capacity 3d1: to
increase the bulk of (a product) by the addition of a cheaper subs tance
3d2: ADULTERATE 4a: to make the offer of : PROFFER 4b: to make available
5a: to cause to reach 5b: to cause to be longer; specif : to prolong the
time of payment of 5c: ADVANCE, FURTHER 6a: to cause to be of greater
area or volume : ENLARGE 6b: to increase the scope, meaning, or
application of : BROADEN archaic 6c: EXAGGERATE 1: to stretch out in
distance, space, or time : REACH 2: to span an interval of distance,
space, or time TEND and LENGTHEN both imply a drawing out in space or time,
but LENGTHEN can apply to one direction or dimension only whereas EXTEND
may imply increase in width or compass or area or range as well as length;
ELONGATE suggests a stretching out resulting in a long narrow shape or in
unusual length; PROLONG suggests chiefly increase in duration esp. beyond
usual limits; PROTRACT adds to PROLONG the implications of needlessness,
boredom, vexation, indefiniteness - ex.tend.ible aj SYN syn LENGTHEN,
ELONGATE, PROLONG, PROTRACT: EX