verb

enlarge

in-LARJ/ɪnˈlɑːrdʒ/

To increase the size or extent of something.

The woman enlarges the leaf drawing while preserving its original shape.

An older woman enlarges a small leaf drawing onto a much larger sheet, preserving the leaf's shape while making it visibly bigger.

Etymology

The pieces express making something broad or wide. That idea of widening extends naturally to increasing size or extent; the verb has also long described becoming bigger without an outside agent.

In context

Osmosis from Elsevier3:51

a small cut used to enlarge the vaginal opening which can also cause unintended bleeding

Postpartum hemorrhage - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

More examples

You can enlarge the image to see small details.
Her pupils enlarge when the room gets darker.
The company is enlarging its service area to include nearby towns.

Forms

enlarge · enlarges · enlarged · enlarging

enlargement noun — An increase in size or extent.

Similar words

expand: Often emphasizes spreading outward or increasing range or capacity.
magnify: Makes something appear larger without changing its actual size.
increase: Applies more broadly to amounts and degrees as well as size.