extend

extend [ek stend′, ikstend′]

vt.

[ME extended < L extendere < ex-, out + tendere, to stretch: see THIN]

1. to stretch out or draw out to a certain point, or for a certain distance or time

2. to enlarge in area, scope, influence, meaning, effect, etc.; widen; broaden; expand; spread

3. to stretch or thrust forth; hold out; proffer

4. to present for acceptance; offer; accord; grant

5. to stretch or straighten out (a flexed limb of the body)

6.

a) to make longer in time or space; prolong

b) to allow a period of time for the payment of (a loan, mortgage, etc.) beyond that originally set

7. to make (oneself) work or try very hard

8. to give added bulk or body to (a substance) by adding another, usually cheaper or inferior, substance

9. Obs. to gain control of by force

10. Commerce to calculate (an amount on an invoice) by multiplying quantity by price

vi.

1. to be extended

2. to lie or stretch [the fence extends to the meadow]

SYN.- EXTEND and LENGTHEN both imply a making longer in space or time, but EXTEND, in addition, may signify an enlarging in area, scope, influence, meaning, etc.; ELONGATE is a synonym for LENGTHEN in the spatial sense and is more commonly used in technical applications; PROLONG and PROTRACT both primarily imply an extending in time, PROLONG suggesting continuation beyond the usual or expected time, and PROTRACT a being drawn out needlessly or wearingly