\Mag"ni*fy\, 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.
         The least error in a small quantity . . . will in a
         great one . . . be proportionately magnified.
                                               --Grew.
2. To increase the importance of; to augment the esteem or
   respect in which one is held.
         On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight
         of all Israel.                        --Joshua iv.
                                               14.
3. To praise highly; to land; to extol. [Archaic]
         O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his
         name together.                        --Ps. xxxiv.
                                               3.
4. To exaggerate; as, to magnify a loss or a difficulty.
{To magnify one's self} (Script.), to exhibit pride and
   haughtiness; to boast.
{To magnify one's self against} (Script.), to oppose with
   pride.

\Mag"ni*fy\, 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.
2. To have effect; to be of importance or significance. [Cant
   & Obs.] --Spectator.
{Magnifying glass}, a lens which magnifies the apparent
   dimensions of objects seen through it.