extend

Main Entry:: ex·tend
Pronunciation:: \ik-ˈstend\
Function:: verb
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French estendre, from Latin extendere, from ex- + tendere to stretch — more at thin
Date:: 14th century

transitive verb1: to spread or stretch forth : unbend <extended both her arms>2 a: to stretch out to fullest length b: to cause (as a horse) to move at full stride c: to exert (oneself) to full capacity <could work long and hard without seeming to extend himself> d (1): to increase the bulk of (as by adding a cheaper substance or a modifier) (2): adulterate3 [Middle English, from Medieval Latin extendere (from Latin) or Anglo-French estendre, from Old French] aBritish : to take possession of (as lands) by a writ of extent bobsolete : to take by force4 a: to make the offer of : proffer <extending aid to the needy> <extending their greetings> b: to make available <extending credit to customers>5 a: to cause to reach (as in distance or scope) <national authority was extended over new territories> b: to cause to be longer : prolong <extend the side of a triangle> <extended their visit another day> ; also : to prolong the time of payment of c: advance , further <extending her potential through job training>6 a: to cause to be of greater area or volume : enlarge <extended the patio to the back of the house> b: to increase the scope, meaning, or application of : broaden <beauty, I suppose, opens the heart, extends the consciousness — Algernon Blackwood> carchaic : exaggerateintransitive verb1: to stretch out in distance, space, or time : reach <their jurisdiction extended over the whole area>2: to reach in scope or application <his concern extends beyond mere business to real service to his customers>

— ex·tend·abil·i·ty

\-ˌsten-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ex·tend·able also ex·tend·ible

Listen to the pronunciation of extendible

\-ˈsten-də-bəl\ adjective

synonyms extend , lengthen , prolong , protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length. extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range <extend a vacation> <extend welfare services> <lengthen a skirt> <lengthen the workweek>. prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits <prolonged illness>. protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness <protracted litigation>.

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