Definition of aggrandize

< aggrade

aggravate >

ag·gran·dize    (-grndz, grn-) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
ag·gran·dized, ag·gran·diz·ing, ag·gran·diz·es

1. To increase the scope of; extend.
2. To make greater in power, influence, stature, or reputation.
3. To make appear greater; exaggerate: aggrandize one argument while belittling another.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French agrandir, agrandiss-, from Old French : a-, to (from Latin ad-; see ad-) + grandir, to grow larger (from Latin grandre, from grandis, large)

OTHER FORMS:
ag·grandize·ment  (-grndz-mnt, -dz-) KEY (Noun), ag·grandizer(Noun)