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DictionaryaggrandizeIncrease importance
verb

aggrandize

uh-GRAN-dize/ʌɡrˈændˌaɪz/

To make someone or something more powerful or important.

The executive uses expansion plans to aggrandize the company before watching colleagues.

An ambitious executive ceremonially adds another tall wing to a tabletop company-building model, growing power and scale, colleagues watching.
Etymology
agLatinto, toward
+grandizeLatinto make great

The central idea is to make something great or larger. In this sense, the enlargement concerns power, standing, or wealth rather than physical dimensions.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin3:45
why do we need yet another term accept to aggrandize the injured egos of french psychologists and psychiatrists
Contemptuous Narcissist (Starts 21:45), Contemptible You, Psychopath Celebrates

More examples

  • She accused him of aggrandizing his role in the discovery.
  • The monument was designed to aggrandize the dynasty.
  • Each new acquisition aggrandized the company's influence.

Forms

aggrandize · aggrandizes · aggrandized · aggrandizing

aggrandizement noun — An increase in power or apparent importance.

Similar words

magnify
Often emphasizes making something seem larger or more important.
glorify
Emphasizes praise or admiration rather than increasing actual power.