Aggrandiser

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual who actively strives to elevate their own status or power, often by accumulating wealth or increasing influence, while enhancing their prominence in society
2. One who attempts to boost their own authority or social standing through influence or resources
3. An individual focused on expanding their own importance or control typically by gaining resources or allies

Etymology: "Aggrandiser" is a late arrival in the family of words built on "grand." Its core is the verb "aggrandize," formed from the French "agrandir," meaning "to make larger," which in turn combines "a-" (a prefix that marks movement toward a state, from Latin "ad-") with "grand," from Latin "grandis," meaning large or great. The English verb took its final shape with the Latin-derived "-ize" ending, which entered English through Late Latin "-izare" and French "-iser." The noun is simpler still. It is formed in English by adding the agent suffix "-er" to "aggrandize," producing a person who performs the act of enlarging. Over time the sense narrowed from simply making something bigger to the more pointed idea of enlarging one's own power, wealth or status. The word therefore describes not growth in general but a deliberate, often self-serving push upward.

Synonyms: enhancer, exalter, booster

Antonyms: diminisher