Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Increase \In*crease"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Increased}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Increasing}.] [OE. incresen, encresen, enrescen, OF.
   encreistre, fr. L. increscere; pref. in- in + crescere to
   grow. See {Crescent}, and cf. {Decrease}.]
   1. To become greater or more in size, quantity, number,
      degree, value, intensity, power, authority, reputation,
      wealth; to grow; to augment; to advance; -- opposed to
      {decrease}.

            The waters increased and bare up the ark. --Gen.
                                                  vii. 17.

            He must increase, but I must decrease. --John iii.
                                                  30.

            The heavens forbid But that our loves and comforts
            should increase, Even as our days do grow! --Shak.

   2. To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile,
      fruitful, or prolific.

            Fishes are more numerous of increasing than beasts
            or birds, as appears by their numerous spawn. --Sir
                                                  M. Hale.

   3. (Astron.) To become more nearly full; to show more of the
      surface; to wax; as, the moon increases.

   {Increasing function} (Math.), a function whose value
      increases when that of the variable increases, and
      decreases when the latter is diminished.

   Syn: To enlarge; extend; multiply; expand; develop; heighten;
        amplify; raise; enhance; spread; aggravate; magnify;
        augment; advance.

   Usage: To {Increase}, {Enlarge}, {Extend}. Enlarge implies to
          make larger or broader in size. Extend marks the
          progress of enlargement so as to have wider
          boundaries. Increase denotes enlargement by growth and
          internal vitality, as in the case of plants. A kingdom
          is enlarged by the addition of new territories; the
          mind is enlarged by knowledge. A kingdom is extended
          when its boundaries are carried to a greater distance
          from the center. A man's riches, honors, knowledge,
          etc., are increased by accessions which are made from
          time to time.