Definition

Verb: * To extend or thrust a part of the body, especially a hand or arm, outward or forward.

Usage

• The verb "stretch forth" describes the deliberate action of moving a limb, typically an arm and hand, away from the body to reach for something, offer something, or point.
• It is a somewhat formal or literary synonym for "hold out" or "extend."
• It is used transitively, requiring a direct object (the limb being extended).

Examples

• The knight stretched forth his hand to help the fallen queen.
• She stretched forth her arm to point towards the distant mountains.
• He stretched forth the document for the official to inspect.

Advanced Usage

• "to stretch forth one's hand": A common and formal phrase meaning to offer help, assistance, or an object.
  • In his time of need, his friend stretched forth his hand.
• The action can imply an offering, a request, or a gesture of command or indication.

Variants and Related Words

• Extend (verb): To cause to cover a larger area; to make longer or wider. (A more common and general synonym).
• Hold out (phrasal verb): To extend something outward. (A common, everyday synonym).
• Exsert (verb, technical/biological): To thrust out; to protrude. (Used in scientific contexts, e.g., for insect body parts).
• Outstretch (verb): To extend or stretch out. Often used in the past participle form "outstretched."
  • He welcomed them with outstretched arms.

Synonyms

• Extend
• Hold out
• Proffer (specifically for offering something)
• Reach out

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Reach out: To stretch out one's arm, often to make contact or communicate.
  • She reached out to touch the painting.
• Hold out: To extend something outward; to offer.
  • He held out the keys to her.

Related Idioms

• To extend an olive branch: To make a gesture of peace or reconciliation. (This idiom uses "extend," a synonym for "stretch forth," in a figurative sense).
  • After the argument, she decided to extend an olive branch.

Verb

1. thrust or extend out
   • He held out his hand
   • point a finger
   • extend a hand
   • the bee exserted its sting