əˈgranˌdīz, -aan-; ˈagrən-, ˈaig- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: modification (influenced by -ize ) of French agrandiss- stem of agrandir, from a- (from Latin ad- ) + grandir to increase, from Latin grandire, from grandis great — more at grand
1. : to make great (as in degree, number, or size) : increase , augment
all he desired was to aggrandize his estate — Hilaire Belloc
2. : to make great or greater (as in power, honor, or wealth)
to aggrandize his family and his favorites Sixtus caused wars — R.A.Hall b. 1911
3. : to make appear great or greater : exalt
in aggrandizing the one, he necessarily depreciated the other
Synonyms: see exalt