intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

transitive verb

1
: to make intense or more intensive : strengthen
2
a
: to make more acute : sharpen
b
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by chemical treatment
intensification noun

Examples of intensify in a Sentence

We could hear the wind howling outside as the storm intensified. They intensified their efforts to increase sales. an intensified search for survivors
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Much remains unknown about the current system, its track and chances for intensifying later in the week. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Both candidates are intensifying their campaigns across key battleground states as fallout continued from a shock Iowa poll that put the vice president ahead in a ruby red state. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Rafael is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane Tuesday and could rapidly intensify over the warm water of the northwest Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 When the sun is in Scorpio, the energy of transformation is intensified. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intensify 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensify was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near intensify

Cite this Entry

“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensification noun
intensifier
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun

Medical Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying

transitive verb

1
: to make intense or more intensive
2
a
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by special treatment
b
: to make more acute
use of illicit drugs intensified the patient's condition

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
intensification noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intensify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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