heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhī-tᵊn 

heightened; heightening ˈhīt-niŋ 

ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: to increase the amount or degree of : augment

b

: to make brighter or more intense : deepen

c

: to bring out more strongly : point up

d

: to make more acute : sharpen

2

a

: to raise high or higher : elevate

b

: to raise above the ordinary or trite

3

obsolete : elate

intransitive verb

1

archaic : grow, rise

2

a

: to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent

b

: to become brighter or more intense

Synonyms

• accentuate
• amp (up)
• amplify
• beef (up)
• boost
• consolidate
• deepen
• enhance
• intensify
• magnify
• redouble
• step up
• strengthen

Examples of heighten in a Sentence

The plan will only heighten tensions between the two groups.

This tragedy has heightened our awareness of the need for improved safety measures.

Tensions between the two groups have heightened.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lurking in the background are heightened geopolitical risks. —Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

The East Bay aviation complex — which, like its busier competitor to the west, abuts San Francisco Bay — is seeking a new name to heighten its profile among air travelers visiting the Bay Area. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhīt-ᵊn 

heightened; heightening ˈhīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: to make or become brighter or greater

heightened the citizens' awareness

2

: to raise high or higher : elevate