ramify

/ˌræməˈfaɪ/

Other forms: ramified; ramifying; ramifies

The verb ramify describes something that branches off or spreads, like the new subway lines that ramify across your city and reach even the neighborhoods farthest from the center.

Ramify came into English through French, but it traces all the way back to the Latin word ramus, meaning "branch." It can describe things that literally branch out in segments, or it can be used figuratively to describe things that spread, like the effects of a new policy that ramify through your school. Ramify might seem like a strange word, but you probably know the related word ramification, a consequence that stems — or branches — from some other action.

Definitions of ramify

1. verb

   have or develop complicating consequences
   “These actions will ramify”

   synonyms: complexify

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
2. verb

   grow and send out branches or branch-like structures
   “these plants ramify early and get to be very large”

   synonyms: branch

   branch, fork, furcate, separate

   divide into two or more branches so as to form a fork

   type of:

   grow

   become larger, greater, or bigger; expand or gain
3. verb

   divide into two or more branches so as to form a fork
   synonyms: branch, fork, furcate, separate

   branch

   grow and send out branches or branch-like structures

   types:

   arborise, arborize

   branch out like trees

   twig

   branch out in a twiglike manner

   bifurcate

   divide into two branches

   trifurcate

   divide into three

   type of:

   diverge

   move or draw apart