v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Magnified p. pr. & vb. n. Magnifying ] [ OE. magnifien, F. magnifier, L. magnificare. See Magnific. ] 1. To make great, or greater; to increase the dimensions of; to amplify; to enlarge, either in fact or in appearance; as, the microscope magnifies the object by a thousand diameters. [ 1913 Webster ]

The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a great one . . . be proportionately magnified. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or respect in which one is held. [ 1913 Webster ]

On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel. Joshua iv. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To praise highly; to laud; to extol. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Ps. xxxiv. 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty. [ 1913 Webster ]

To magnify one's self (Script.), to exhibit pride and haughtiness; to boast. --
To magnify one's self against (Script.), to oppose with pride. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To have the power of causing objects to appear larger than they really are; to increase the apparent dimensions of objects; as, some lenses magnify but little. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To have effect; to be of importance or significance. [ Cant & Obs. ] Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A single convex lens which magnifies the apparent dimensions of objects seen through it, and is used to produce an enlarged image.
Syn. -- hand glass. [ WordNet 1.5 ]