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extend - definition and synonyms

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verb     extend pronunciation in British English
Word Forms
present tense
present participleextending
past tenseextended
past participleextended
  1. 1
    [intransitive] to continue for a particular distance or in a particular direction
    extend from/into/over/beyond/for etc:

    The beach extends beyond the horizon.

    an area extending from the Baltic coast to the Alps

    1. a.
      formal to continue for a particular period of time
      extend over/beyond etc:

      This licence does not extend beyond the end of May.

      a festival that extends over a period of weeks

  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to increase the size of a building or area, especially by adding extra parts onto it

    We’re going to extend the first floor.

    a plan to extend the cemetery

    1. a.
      [transitive] to make something include more things, areas, or subjects

      The course has been extended to include the history of art.

    2. b.
      [transitive] to increase the power of something
      extend influence/control:

      an attempt to extend their influence in world affairs

    3. c.
      [transitive] to increase the time that something lasts

      I asked if I could extend my holiday.

      Your bank might agree to extend the period of the loan.

      extend a deadline (=give someone more time in which to do something):

      They have agreed to extend the deadline for completion of the building work.

  3. 3
    [transitive] to increase the length of something

    You can extend the table by pulling out the middle section.

    1. a.
      [transitive] to stretch out your arms or legs so that they are straight

      He stood there, his arms extended towards the horrified villagers.

    2. b.
      [intransitive] to become longer

      Does this ladder extend?

  4. 4
    [transitive] formal to offer something such as a welcome, thanks, or sympathy to someone
    extend something to someone:

    May I extend my congratulations to the winners?

    We extend our apologies for the inconvenience caused.

  5. 5
    [transitive] formal to agree to lend someone money or to give them credit
    extend something to someone:

    banks that extend loans to small businesses

    Suppliers do not always extend credit to new customers.

  6. 6
    [intransitive] to affect or include someone or something
    extend to:

    This law extends to children under the age of 14 only.

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