Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To increase in size, volume, quantity, or scope: To make something larger or more extensive.
   • To express something in fuller form or greater detail: To elaborate on a topic, idea, or account.
   • To spread out or unfold: To open up or stretch out.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become larger in size, volume, or quantity: To grow or increase.
   • To become more open, detailed, or elaborate: To develop or unfold.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (transitive):

  • The company plans to expand its operations into Asia.
  • Could you expand that point? I don't fully understand.
  • He took a deep breath to expand his chest.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • The universe continues to expand.
  • The population of the city expanded rapidly.
  • Her face expanded into a warm smile.

Advanced Usage

• "to expand on/upon something": To speak or write about something in more detail; to elaborate.

  • The professor asked the student to expand on her thesis statement.

• "expand one's horizons": To increase the range of one's knowledge, experience, or interests.

  • Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons.

Variants and Related Words

• Expansion (n): The act of expanding or the state of being expanded.

  • The expansion of the airport will take two years.

• Expansive (adj): Covering a wide area; extensive, or relaxed and communicative.

  • He was in an expansive mood and talked for hours.

• Expandable (adj): Able to be expanded.

  • The suitcase has an expandable section.

Synonyms

• Enlarge: To make bigger.
• Extend: To make longer or larger in space or time.
• Elaborate: To add more detail.
• Swell: To become larger in size, often from pressure inside.
• Develop: To grow or cause to grow more advanced.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Expand into: To grow and start doing business in a new area or field.

  • The software company is expanding into hardware manufacturing.

• Expand out: (Less common) To spread out from a central point.

  • The search party expanded out from the campsite.

Related Idioms

• Expand like a balloon: To increase in size very quickly.

  • After the successful ad campaign, sales expanded like a balloon.

• Expand one's mind: To cause someone to think more broadly or openly.

  • Reading philosophy can really expand your mind.

Verb

1. expand the influence of
   • The King extended his rule to the Eastern part of the continent
2. add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
   • She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation
3. exaggerate or make bigger
   • The charges were inflated
4. grow vigorously
   • The deer population in this town is thriving
   • business is booming
5. make bigger or wider in size, volume, or quantity
   • expand the house by adding another wing
6. become larger in size or volume or quantity
   • his business expanded rapidly
7. extend in one or more directions
   • The dough expands