expands
v.v. to become larger in size, number, or importance. You use this when something grows or opens up to fill more space.
v. to increase in size, volume, quantity, or scope. Often describes physical growth due to heat or pressure, or the broadening of a business or idea.
The balloon expands as you blow air into it.
The company expands its operations into new countries every year to reach more customers.
Metals typically expand when heated, a physical property that engineers must account for when designing bridges and railway tracks to prevent structural warping.
The verb can be used transitively (to expand something) or intransitively (something expands).
The business expands to 50 employeesThe business expanded to 50 employeesLearners often use the present simple 'expands' for a completed historical growth instead of the past tense 'expanded'.