Verb

(en verb)

(label) To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one.

(label) To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).

* (John Milton) (1608-1674)

Then with expanded wings he steers his flight.

(label) To express (something) at length and/or in detail.

To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value

(label) To (be) change(d) from a smaller form/size to a larger one.

(label) To (be) increase(d) in extent, number, volume or scope.

(label) To speak or write at length or in detail.

*{{quote-book, year=1899, author=(Stephen Crane)

, title=, chapter=1 , passage=There was some laughter, and Roddle was left free to expand his ideas on the periodic visits of cowboys to the town. “Mason Rickets, he had ten big punkins a-sittin' in front of his store, an' them fellers from the Upside-down-F ranch shot 'em up […].”}}

(label) To feel generous or optimistic.

Verb

To cause to become smaller.

The dryer shrank my sweater.

To become smaller; to contract.

This garment will shrink when wet.

* Francis Bacon

I have not found that water, by mixture of ashes, will shrink or draw into less room.

* Dryden

And shrink like parchment in consuming fire.

To cower or flinch.

Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.

To draw back; to withdraw.

* Milton

The Libya Hammon shrinks his horn.

(figuratively) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.

* Alexander Pope

What happier natures shrink at with affright, / The hard inhabitant contends is right.

* Jowett (Thucyd.)

They assisted us against the Thebans when you shrank from the task.