extend: Meaning and Definition of
ex•tend
Pronunciation: (ik-stend'), [key]
— v.t.
- to stretch out; draw out to the full length: He extended the measuring tape as far as it would go.
- to stretch, draw, or arrange in a given direction, or so as to reach a particular point, as a cord, wall, or line of troops.
- to stretch forth or hold out, as the arm or hand: to extend one's hand in greeting.
- to place at full length, esp. horizontally, as the body or limbs.
- to increase the length or duration of; lengthen; prolong: to extend a visit.
- to stretch out in various or all directions; expand; spread out in area: A huge tent was extended over the field.
- to enlarge the scope of, or make more comprehensive, as operations, influence, or meaning: The European powers extended their authority in Asia.
- to provide as an offer or grant; offer; grant; give: to extend aid to needy scholars.
- to postpone (the payment of a debt) beyond the time originally agreed upon.
- to increase the bulk or volume of, esp. by adding an inexpensive or plentiful substance.
- to transfer (figures) from one column to another.
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- Brit.to assess or value.
- to make a seizure or levy upon, as land, by a writ of extent.
- to bring (a horse) into an extended attitude.
- to exert (oneself&hasp;) to an unusual degree.
- to exaggerate.
- to take by seizure.
—v.i.
- to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions.
- to reach, as to a particular point.
- to increase in length, area, scope, etc.
- (of a horse) to come into an extended attitude.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.