zoom out

verb

Etymology: From zoom + out.

1. To decrease the focal length of a zoom lens in order to obtain a reduced magnification of the image, or a wider-angle view.

   “The director asked to zoom out for a wider shot of the landscape.”

   “The drone's camera began to zoom out as it ascended higher into the sky.”

2. To manipulate a display (such as a computer screen) so as to make the image smaller and possibly less detailed.

   “You can zoom out on the screen to see the entire document.”