The difference between Expand and Shrink

When used as verbs, expand means to change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one, whereas shrink means to cause to become smaller.

Shrink is also noun with the meaning: shrinkage.

check bellow for the other definitions of Expand and Shrink

  1. Expand as a verb (transitive):

    To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

    Examples:

    "You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table."

  2. Expand as a verb (transitive):

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

    Examples:

    "A flower expands its leaves."

  3. Expand as a verb (transitive):

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

  4. Expand as a verb (transitive, algebra):

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

    Examples:

    "Use the binomial theorem to expand (x+1)<sup>4</sup> to x<sup>4</sup> + 4x<sup>3</sup> + 6x<sup>2</sup> + 4x + 1."

  5. Expand as a verb (transitive, arithmetic):

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

  6. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To change from a smaller form/size to a larger one.

    Examples:

    "Many materials expand when heated."

    "This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table."

  7. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.

  8. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To speak or write at length or in detail.

    Examples:

    "He expanded on his plans for the business."

  9. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To feel generous or optimistic.

  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.

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