amplify

verb

am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
Synonyms of amplifynext

transitive verb

1
: to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis
2
a
: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase
b
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
c
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

intransitive verb

: to expand one's remarks or ideas

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for amplify

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of amplify in a Sentence

amplify a weak radio signal a receiver that amplified the television signal using spices to amplify the flavors of the food
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Hip Hop Caucus was created as a nonprofit organization that amplifies political activism for the younger generation, using hip-hop music and culture as a vehicle to spread awareness. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 Advocacy groups argue that Mexico's militarized approach to law enforcement has amplified risks for civilians, particularly migrants, who are often vulnerable to both smugglers and law enforcement. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Financial contributions help amplify candidates’ platforms but can also create imbalances. —Tonya Evans, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Ohio received outsized attention this fall after Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, amplified false claims about Haitian migrants living in Springfield. —Abc News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amplify 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amplifien "to enlarge, increase," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French amplifier, borrowed from Latin amplificāre "to increase the size of, augment," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample" + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near amplify

amplifier

amplify

amplifying host

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Amplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplify. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

amplify

verb
am·​pli·​fy ˈam-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: enlarge sense 2
especially : to add details or illustrations to
amplify a statement
2
: to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength

Medical Definition

amplify

transitive verb
am·​pli·​fy -ˌfī How to pronounce amplify (audio)
amplified; amplifying
1
: to make larger or greater (as in amount or intensity)
2
: to increase the strength or amount of
especially : to make louder
3
: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplification

More from Merriam-Webster on amplify

Nglish: Translation of amplify for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of amplify for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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