v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' gran- ˌ d ī z also ' a-gr ə n-
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -dized ; -diz · ing
Etymology: French agrandiss-, stem of agrandir, from a- (fr. Latin ad- ) + grandir to increase, from Latin grandire, from grandis great
Date: 1634
1 : to make great or greater : INCREASE , ENLARGE < aggrandize an estate>
2 : to make appear great or greater : praise highly
3 : to enhance the power, wealth, position, or reputation of <exploited the situation to aggrandize himself>
– ag · gran · dize · ment \ ə - ' gran-d ə z-m ə nt, - ˌ d ī z- also ˌ a-gr ə n- ' d ī z- \ noun
– ag · gran · diz · er \ ə - ' gran- ˌ d ī -z ə r also ' a-gr ə n- \ noun