Definition of: extend

(ik·stend′) v.t.
1. To open or stretch to full length.
2. To cause to stretch to a specified point, in a given direction, or for a given distance; make longer.
3. To cause to last until or for a specified time; continue.
4. To widen or enlarge the range, area, scope, meaning, etc., of: to extend the duties of an office.
5. To hold out or put forth, as the hand.
6. To give or offer to give: to extend hospitality.
7. To straighten, as a leg or arm.
8. In business, to put off the date of completion or payment of, as a contract or debt, beyond that originally set.
9. Law a Brit. To assess; appraise. b To seize under a writ of extent.
—v.i.
10. To be extended; stretch.
11. To reach, as in a specified direction: This road extends west.
—to extend oneself To put forth great effort. See synonyms under ADD, AMPLIFY, INCREASE, PROTRACT, SPREAD. [<L extendere <ex- out + tendere stretch]
—ex·tend′i·ble adjective