enhancev.
/ᵻnˈhɑːns/, /ɛnˈhɑːns/, /ᵻnˈhans/, /ɛnˈhans/, U.S. /ᵻnˈhæns/, /ɛnˈhæns/ a. transitive. To lift, raise, set up; also, to raise the level of (ground). Obsolete.By lawyers of 17th cent. used spec. in the sense ‘to raise (a weir in a river) to an (excessive) height’, after Anglo-Norman enhancer in certain statutes. See enhancer n., enhancing n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > make to go up or cause to rise [verb (transitive)] > raise
heave971
hevenOE
onheaveOE
rearOE
highOE
arearc1175
to set above (also aloft, high, on high)c1275
upbraidc1275
to set upc1290
lifta1300
upheavea1300
upraisea1300
upreara1300
enhancec1300
araise1303
hance1303
uplifta1340
lift1362
raisec1384
upbear1390
uphancec1390
advancea1393
haut?a1400
to put upa1400
verec1400
hainc1440
inhigh1483
elevate1497
uphigh1513
alifta1522
height1530
heighten1530
exalt1535
extol1549
sublevate1559
rouse?1567
attol1578
elate1578
vaunce1582
dight1590
higher1592
tower1596
to fetch up1612
relevate1620
screwa1625
transcend1635
stilt1649
allevate1696
stiltify1860
c1300 Holy Cross (Laud) l. 392 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 12 Þe holie Rode was i-founde..in May, He was an-hauset [a1350 Ashm. an-hansed; c1390 Vernon honoured] in septembre.
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) 213 Alle þing ich [Christ] wolle to me drawe ȝif ich beo anhaunsed heye [on the cross].
1388 J. Wyclif Psalms lxxiv. 5 Nyle ȝe enhaunce the horn.
a1400–50 Alexander 5068 I, Alexander þe athill..þine pilars en-haunsid.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §26. 37 Wher as the pol is enhawsed vp-on the orisonte.
c1400 Mandeville Voiage & Travaile (1839) viii. 95 Thei [the Walles] han ben so filled agen, & the ground enhaunced.
c1430 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes i. xv. 31 Cruelly he gan enhaunce his honde With his sweorde to yeue her a wounde.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kvij/1 It was a stone..the whyche was enhaunced vpryght.
a1500 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1861) II. 239 Idylnesse and thefte..On the galwys they scholde anhaunse.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John xvi. f. 100v The cause why..was to enhaunce you to heauen.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iii. 52 But father Anchises his palms from strond plat inhauncing.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A5v Who nought aghast his mightie hand enhaunst.
16.. tr. Act 1 Hen. IV xii Them [Weares] that they finde too much enhanced or straited [Fr. trop enhancez ou estretiez] to correct, pull downe, and amend.
b. Heraldry. To put (a bend, etc.) in a higher position in the field.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > place charge on [verb (transitive)] > place in higher position in field
support1562
enhance1864
1864 C. Boutell Heraldry Hist. & Pop. xxi. 359 Three bendlets enhanced arg.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [verb (transitive)] > utter > employ (voice) in utterance
speak1382
raisec1384
enhance1483
lilt1513
versea1533
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 33/2 Thirdly it [the church] is halowed by cause that the orysons be enhaunsed there.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 441/2 The preest enhauncyng hys voys sayth, etc.
d. ? Misused for: To surpass in height.
ΚΠ
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. v. 191 Their circle-spred tops, do kisse or enhance the lower clouds.
a. To exalt in dignity, rank, estimation, or wealth.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > majesty, glory, or grandeur > exaltation or glorification > exalt or glorify [verb (transitive)]
heavec825
higheOE
brightenOE
clarifya1340
glorifya1340
enhancec1374
stellifyc1384
biga1400
exalt?a1400
raisea1400
shrinea1400
to bear up?a1425
enhighc1440
erect?a1475
assumec1503
amount1523
dignifya1530
to set up1535
extol1545
enthronize1547
augment1567
sublimate?1567
sublime1568
assumptc1571
begoda1576
royalize1589
suscitate1598
swell1601
consecrate1605
realize1611
reara1616
sphere1615
ingreata1620
superexalta1626
soara1627
ascend1628
rise1628
embroider1629
apotheose1632
grandize1640
engreaten1641
engrandizea1652
mount1651
intronificate1653
magnificent1656
superposit1661
grandify1665
heroify1677
apotheosize1695
enthrone1699
aggrandize1702
pantheonize1801
hoist1814
princify1847
queen1880
heroize1887
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. iv. iii Oonly bounte and prowesse may enhawnse euery man ouer oþer men.
1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. xii. 58 So is pruyde en-hansed In religion and al þe reame, among ryche and poure.
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 112 To wurshyp I wyl enhaunsen the.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iv. xv. 276 Fortune enhaunceth men att her owne plaisire.
1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. C The Shepheard of the Ocean..Vnto that Goddesse grace me first enhanced.
1643 W. Prynne Soveraigne Power Parl. iv. 29 He enhaunsed men of low birth to great honours.
a1649 W. Drummond Poems (1656) 165 To inhaunce with favours this thy Raigne.
b. To elevate spiritually or morally.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb (transitive)] > attach importance to > make more important
arearc885
upheavea1300
upraisea1300
uphigh13..
enhancec1325
liftc1330
uplift1338
uphebbe1340
uptakec1340
magnifya1382
upreara1382
uphancec1390
preponder?1504
upbring1513
exaggerate1564
greaten1589
weighc1595
to make much matter ofa1649
aggravate1698
aggrandize1709
beef1941
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > be or cause to be spiritual [verb (transitive)] > instruct or improve
bindc975
confirma1300
enhancec1325
edify1340
exhancea1450
enlightena1500
build1526
mounta1546
spiritualize1596
sanctify1597
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [verb (transitive)]
beetc975
betterOE
goodOE
sharpa1100
amendc1300
enhance1526
meliorate1542
embetter1568
endeara1586
enrich1598
meliorize1598
mend1603
sweeten1607
improve1617
to work up1641
ameliorate1653
solace1667
fine1683
ragout1749
to make something of1778
richen1795
transcendentalize1846
to tone up1847
to do something (also things) for (also to)1880
rich1912
to step up1920
uprate1965
up1968
nice1993
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig. A.xi) (1887) 9412 Ȝe noblemen, anhansieþ [c1425 Harl. an hansyeþ] ȝoure þoȝt & auongeþ nouþe godes grace þat god ȝou aþ ibroȝt.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 42 Þis haþ maad ȝou pore in þingis & enhaunsed ȝou in vertues.
a1450 Knt. de la Tour (1868) 7 Praiers to God makithe man and woman to be enhaunsed.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Dv This gyft..enhaunceth or lyfteth vp the mynde of man to gostlynes and heuenly meditacions.
c. To lift up with pride; reflexive to exalt oneself, assume superiority.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > be or become proud [verb (reflexive)]
wlenchc1200
pridea1275
enhancec1380
empride1435
brave1581
prune1598
plume1643
value1648
pique1684
bepride1690
hump1835
tumefy1837
preen1880
to be all over oneself1910
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 396 Freris falsely enhansen homself abofe Crist and his apostils.
c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋540 Flaterie makith a man to enhaunsen his hert and his countenaunce.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 63 That noon of ȝou..enhaunce ȝou silf aboue alle othere Cristen.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. v. sig. E6 There also was king Crœsus, that enhaunst His hart too high.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 170 So content to enlarge Grace, that therewith she will enhaunse her selfe.
d. To praise, extol.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > commend or praise [verb (transitive)]
heryc735
mickleeOE
loveOE
praise?c1225
upraisea1300
alosec1300
commenda1340
allow1340
laud1377
lose1377
avauntc1380
magnifya1382
enhancea1400
roosea1400
recommendc1400
recommanda1413
to bear up?a1425
exalt1430
to say well (also evil, ill, etc.) of (also by)1445
laudifyc1470
gloryc1475
advance1483
to bear out1485
prizec1485
to be or to have in laudationa1500
joya1500
extol1509
collaud1512
concend?1521
solemnize?1521
celebrate1522
stellify1523
to set up1535
well-word1547
predicate1552
glorify1557
to set forth1565
admire1566
to be up with1592
voice1594
magnificate1598
plaud1598
concelebrate1599
encomionize1599
to con laud1602
applauda1616
panegyrize1617
acclamate1624
to set offa1625
acclaim1626
raise1645
complement1649
encomiate1651
voguec1661
phrase1675
to set out1688
Alexander1700
talk1723
panegyricize1777
bemouth1799
eulogizea1810
rhapsodize1819
crack up1829
rhapsody1847
a1400–50 Alexander 2498 Þe mare I spek him dispite..Þe hiȝere I here him enhansed.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail liii. l. 31 Forto Anhawncen there goddis Name.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 60 That the name of our lord Ihesu cryst were more sayntefyed and enhaunced.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 289 Erthe mote blesse the lorde and prayse hym and enhaunce hym on hy wythouten ende.
1627 M. Drayton Nimphidia in Battaile Agincourt 122 Those [poets] more ancient doe inhaunce Alcides in his fury.
3.
a. To raise in degree, heighten, intensify (qualities, states, powers, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)] > increase the intensity of
multiplya1398
sharpenc1450
heighten1523
height1528
strengthen1546
aggravate1549
enhance1559
intend1603
enrich1620
re-enforce1625
wheel1632
reinforce1660
support1691
richen1795
to give a weight to1796
intensify1817
exalt1850
intensate1856
to step up1920
to hot up1937
ramp1981
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Suffolk v. 7 My lucky spede mine honor did enhaunce.
1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie xxxv. 209 Such a shameful thanklesnesse as inhaunceth their rebelliousnesse a hundredfold.
1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 234 That which enhances this injury is that it is irreparable.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xxxi. 201 These delights were enhanced by the memory of past hardships.
1853 C. Brontë Villette II. xxii. 139 This dusky wrapper..enhancing by contrast the fairness of her skin.
1870 J. H. Burton Hist. Scotl. to 1688 VII. lxxi. 38 They had what greatly enhanced their effective force—four brass field-pieces.
1872 J. Yeats Nat. Hist. Commerce (rev. ed.) 94 Strawberries, bilberries, and currants, enhance their flavour in this zone to an excellence unknown in England.
b. To magnify subjectively, make to appear greater; to heighten, exaggerate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > exaggeration, hyperbole > exaggerate [verb (transitive)]
flatter?c1225
engregec1386
enhancec1400
extol?1504
extend1509
aggravate1533
exagger1535
blowa1538
amplify1561
exasperate1561
bombast1566
aggerate1570
enlarge1592
rengrege1601
exaggerate1604
magnify1605
hyperbolize1609
to slobber over ——1761
bloat1896
over-heighten1904
overpitch1904
overblow1961
inflate1982
c1400 Rom. Rose 7248 And where is more wode folye Than to enhaunce chyvalrie.
1529 T. More Supplyc. Soulys ii. f. xxiiii Enhauncing the merite and goodnes of Chrystis passyon.
1669 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. I Introd. 5 How much wil their Divine Majestie..be enhansed thereby?
1737 R. Glover Leonidas ii. 275 Beyond the reach of fiction to inhance.
1788 E. Burke Speech against W. Hastings in Wks. (1842) II. 211 He did, in the libel aforesaid, enhance his services.
1832 G. Downes Lett. from Continental Countries I. 438 The satirist wished to enhance the infirmity of Philip.
4. 1889 Cent. Dict. (at cited word) A debt enhances rapidly by compound interest. [Rare.]1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 15 Nov. 3/2 Until the property enhanced sufficiently to sell.1904 N.Y. Evening Post 31 Mar. 2 With stationary or diminishing incomes, their living expenses are constantly enhancing.
a. To raise (prices, value); to increase (charges, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > be valued at [verb (transitive)] > increase value of
enhance1542
improve1548
advantagec1613
appreciate1778
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (transitive)] > increase (prices)
raise?a1513
enhance1542
enhaulse1600
exhance1667
inflamea1687
to run up1709
rise1740
to put up1838
hike1904
up1934
price-gouge1940
uplift1962
1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 7 To mittigate, and enhaunce the price of wynes..as..occasion shall require.
1587 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. v. i. 135 Their freends are brought unto pouertie by their rents inhanced.
c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) i. 694 Enhaunce The faire revennewes of the English crowne.
1632 F. Quarles Divine Fancies i. lviii. 25 Why could not hungery Esau strive t' enhaunce His price a little?
a1649 W. Drummond Irene in Wks. (1711) 173 Taxes and Customs daily enhansed.
1697 J. Evelyn Numismata i. 6 The Value of the Denarius was inhaunc'd from..Ten Asses to that of Sixteen.
1712 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1889) III. 430 The Price should be rather inhanc'd than lessen'd.
1866 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Agric. & Prices I. xx. 511 The price was considerably enhanced by the charge of conveyance.
b. intransitive. †Of prices: To rise. Obsolete. In more recent use, (of property, etc.) to increase in value or price.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (intransitive)] > rise (of prices)
risec1175
enhancea1513
harden1673
raise1761
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (intransitive)] > rise (of prices) > rise in price
arise1340
rise?1468
mend1606
advance1664
to run up1705
to go up1826
enhance1889
ripen1892
society > trade and finance > monetary value > [verb (intransitive)] > rise in value
amount1583
appreciate1779
enhance1892
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cix Corne the yere folowynge was Scant, wherof the pryce this yere began to Enhaunce.
1671 F. Philipps Regale Necessarium 235 Upon complaint of enhancing.
5. † b. Formerly used simply, = ‘to increase in price or value’; esp. to raise the intrinsic value of (coin). Also (rarely) = ‘to increase in attractiveness’, to beautify, improve.
a. To raise or increase in price, value, importance, attractiveness, etc.
ΚΠ
1862 J. H. Burton Book-hunter 44 The book has been..greatly enhanced in value by the profuse edging of manuscript notes.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > value of money > [verb (transitive)] > raise value
enhance?1542
deflate1919
upvalue1968
?1542 H. Brinkelow Complaynt Roderyck Mors ii. sig. A7 They neuer inhansed their landys, nor toke so cruel fynes.
c1600 Wriothesley's Chron. Eng. (1875) I. 15 This yeare, in November, the Kinge enhaunsed his coyne.
1603 J. Stow Suruay of London (new ed.) 57 The Angell was enhaunced to vii.s. vi.d.
1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 76 I honour them..more, that study wisely and soberly to inhance their native language.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxiv. 130 Base Mony, may easily be enhansed, or abased.
1704 L. Wafer New Voy. & Descr. Isthmus Amer. (ed. 2) Ded. sig. A2 v Thereby..to Enhaunce a Part of the Mines.
1717 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad III. xii. 376 Our Feasts enhanc'd with Music's sprightly Sound.
1836 H. Smith Tin Trumpet II. 39 The poet enhances, By beautiful fancies, The strain.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
v.c1300