/ ˈmægnɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb ( mag·ni·fies , mag·ni·fy·ing , mag·ni·fied , mag·ni·fied ) [ vn ]
1.
to make sth look bigger than it really is, for example by using a lens or microscope
SYN enlarge :
bacteria magnified to 1 000 times their actual size
an image magnified by a factor of 4
2.
to make sth bigger, louder or stronger :
The sound was magnified by the high roof.
The dry summer has magnified the problem of water shortages.
3.
to make sth seem more important or serious than it really is
SYN exaggerate
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the senses show honour to (God) and make greater ): from Old French magnifier or Latin magnificare , based on Latin magnus great. The current senses date from the mid 17th cent.