The difference between Enlarge and Shrink

When used as verbs, enlarge means to make larger, whereas shrink means to cause to become smaller.


Shrink is also noun with the meaning: shrinkage.

check bellow for the other definitions of Enlarge and Shrink

  1. Enlarge as a verb (transitive):

    To make larger.

  2. Enlarge as a verb (intransitive):

    To grow larger.

  3. Enlarge as a verb (transitive):

    To increase the capacity of; to expand; to give free scope or greater scope to; also, to dilate, as with joy, affection, etc.

    Examples:

    "Knowledge enlarges the mind."

  4. Enlarge as a verb (intransitive):

    To speak or write at length upon or on (some subject)

  5. Enlarge as a verb (archaic):

    To release; to set at large.

  6. Enlarge as a verb (nautical):

    To get more astern or parallel with the vessel's course; to draw aft; said of the wind.

  7. Enlarge as a verb (legal):

    To extend the time allowed for compliance with (an order or rule).

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Abbott"

  1. Shrink as a verb (transitive):

    To cause to become smaller.

    Examples:

    "The dryer shrank my sweater."

  2. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To become smaller; to contract.

    Examples:

    "This garment will shrink when wet."

  3. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To cower or flinch.

    Examples:

    "Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip."

  4. Shrink as a verb (transitive):

    To draw back; to withdraw.

  5. Shrink as a verb (intransitive, figuratively):

    To withdraw or retire, as from danger.

  6. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.

  1. Shrink as a noun:

    Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.

  2. Shrink as a noun (slang, sometimes, pejorative):

    A psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

    Examples:

    "You need to see a shrink."

    "My shrink said that he was an enabler, bad for me."

    "synonyms: head-shrinker"

  3. Shrink as a noun (uncountable, business):

    Loss of inventory, for example due to shoplifting or not selling items before their expiration date.