dilate

Synonyms

Antonyms

Di*late", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dilated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dilating.] Etym: [L. dilatare; either fr. di- = dis- + latus wide, not the same word as latus, used as p. p. of ferre to bear (see Latitude); or fr. dilatus, used as p. p. of differre to separate (see Delay, Tolerate, Differ, and cf. Dilatory): cf. F. dilater.] 1. To expand; to distend; to enlarge or extend in all directions; to swell; -- opposed to contract; as, the air dilates the lungs; air is dilated by increase of heat. 2. To enlarge upon; to relate at large; to tell copiously or diffusely. [R.] Do me the favor to dilate at full What hath befallen of them and thee till now. Shak. Syn. -- To expand; swell; distend; enlarge; spread out; amplify; expatiate. Di*late", v. i. 1. To grow wide; to expand; to swell or extend in all directions. His heart dilates and glories in his strength. Addison. 2. To speak largely and copiously; to dwell in narration; to enlarge; -- with on or upon. But still on their ancient joys dilate. Crabbe. Di*late", a. Defn: Extensive; expanded. [Obs.] B. Jonson.