to stretch out; draw out to the full length

He extended the measuring tape as far as it would go.

to stretch, draw, or arrange in a given direction, or so as to reach a particular point, as a cord, wall, or line of troops.

to stretch forth or hold out, as the arm or hand

to extend one's hand in greeting.

to place at full length, esp. horizontally, as the body or limbs.

to increase the length or duration of; lengthen; prolong

to extend a visit.

to stretch out in various or all directions; expand; spread out in area

A huge tent was extended over the field.

to enlarge the scope of, or make more comprehensive, as operations, influence, or meaning

The European powers extended their authority in Asia.

to provide as an offer or grant; offer; grant; give

to extend aid to needy scholars.

Finance . to postpone (the payment of a debt) beyond the time originally agreed upon.

to increase the bulk or volume of, esp. by adding an inexpensive or plentiful substance.

Bookkeeping . to transfer (figures) from one column to another.

Law .

British . to assess or value.

to make a seizure or levy upon, as land, by a writ of extent.

Manège . to bring (a horse) into an extended attitude.

to exert (oneself) to an unusual degree.

Archaic . to exaggerate.

Obsolete . to take by seizure.

to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions.

to reach, as to a particular point.

to increase in length, area, scope, etc.

Manège . (of a horse) to come into an extended attitude.

adjective

expansible , expansile , extensile , protractile , stretch , stretchable