1(of a living thing) undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically:he would watch Nick grow to manhood (as adjective growing)the needs of the growing child (as adjective grown)grown men don’t act so stupidly
(of a plant) germinate and develop:morels grow in a variety of places
[with object] cause (plants) to germinate and develop:more land was needed to grow crops for export
[with object] allow or cause (a part of the body) to grow or develop:if a newt’s leg is amputated, it will grow a new one [with object and complement]:she grew her hair long
2come into existence and develop:the play grew out of a drama school projecta school of painting grew up in Cuzco
[with infinitive] (of a person) come to feel or think something over time:supposing we had grown to know and love nuclear power
3become larger or greater over a period of time; increase:turnover grew to more than $100,000 within three years (as adjective growing)the growing concern over ozone levels
[with object] develop or expand (something, especially a business):entrepreneurs who are struggling to grow their businesses
[with complement] become gradually or increasingly:sharing our experiences we grew braver
grow on trees
[usually with negative] informal be plentiful or easily obtained:jobs don’t grow on trees
grow apart
(of two or more people) become gradually estranged:he and his wife had been growing apart for at least a year
grow away from
become gradually separated from (one’s family, friends, or background):emotionally his family had grown away from him
grow into
1become as a result of natural development or gradual increase:Rome began as a city and grew into a huge empire
2become large enough to wear (a garment) comfortably.
grow on
become gradually more appealing to (someone):the tune grows on you
grow out
disappear because of normal growth:Colette’s old perm had almost grown out
grow out of
become too large to wear (a garment):blazers that they grew out of
become too mature to retain (a childish habit):most children grow out of tantrums by the time they’re three
grow up
become an adult:a young girl who grew up in Texas
[often in imperative] begin to behave or think sensibly:grow up, sister, and come into the real world
