Magnify \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Magnify \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)