intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 
intensified; intensifying
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
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
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
Trump’s hardline approach to deporting immigrants has intensified America’s already-stark partisan divide.
—
Brad Heath, Joshua Schneyer, Marisa Taylor, Sarah N. Lynch, Mike Spector, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
As climate goals become more urgent and regulatory pressures intensify, retailers are at a pivotal moment in their sustainability journeys.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
Lowering American prices to match Europe’s artificially low prices would intensify global freeloading rather than reduce it.
—Sally Pipes, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Trump has also intensified efforts to expand the border wall, adding new barriers along the southern border.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Brad Heath, Joshua Schneyer, Marisa Taylor, Sarah N. Lynch, Mike Spector, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
As climate goals become more urgent and regulatory pressures intensify, retailers are at a pivotal moment in their sustainability journeys.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
Lowering American prices to match Europe’s artificially low prices would intensify global freeloading rather than reduce it.
—Sally Pipes, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Trump has also intensified efforts to expand the border wall, adding new barriers along the southern border.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensifier
noun
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
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
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
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