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.