The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Amplify \Am"pli*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Amplified; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Amplifying.] [F. amplifier, L. amplificare. See
   Ample, -fy.]
   1. To render larger, more extended, or more intense, and the
      like; -- used especially of telescopes, microscopes, etc.
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   2. (Rhet.) To enlarge by addition or discussion; to treat
      copiously by adding particulars, illustrations, etc.; to
      expand; to make much of.
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            Troilus and Cressida was written by a Lombard
            author, but much amplified by our English
            translator.                           --Dryden.
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