v. (past grew; past part. grown)
1. intr. increase in size, height, quantity, degree, or in any way regarded as measurable (e.g. authority or reputation) (often foll. by in: grew in stature).
2 intr. a develop or exist as a living plant or natural product. b develop in a specific way or direction (began to grow sideways). c germinate, sprout; spring up.
3 intr. be produced; come naturally into existence; arise.
4 intr. (as grown adj.) fully matured; adult.
5 intr. a become gradually (grow rich; grow less). b (foll. by to + infin.) come by degrees (grew to like it).
6 intr. (foll. by into) a become, having grown or developed (the acorn has grown into a tall oak; will grow into a fine athlete). b become large enough for or suited to (will grow into the coat; grew into her new job).
7 intr. (foll. by on) become gradually more favoured by.
8 tr. a produce (plants, fruit, wood, etc.) by cultivation. b bring forth. c cause (a beard etc.) to develop.
9 tr. (in passive; foll. by over, up) be covered with a growth.
Phrases and idioms:
growing bag a bag containing peat-based potting compost in which plants may be grown. growing pains
1. early difficulties in the development of an enterprise etc.
2 neuralgic pain in children's legs due to fatigue etc. grown-up adj. adult.
--n. an adult person. grow out of
1. become too large to wear (a garment).
2 become too mature to retain (a childish habit etc.).
3 be the result or development of. grow together coalesce.
grow up
1. a advance to maturity. b (esp. in imper.) begin to behave sensibly.
2 (of a custom) arise, become common.
Derivatives:
growable adj.
Etymology: OE growan f. Gmc, rel. to GRASS, GREEN