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
Synonyms
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
The Big Ten-SEC rivalry is about to intensify as the external factors dictating both conferences’ strategies change, and the Big Ten perhaps is in a better position to succeed than at any time in the last 50 years.
—
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Banks are on a winning streak, one that’s poised to intensify as President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As the winds intensified, the men watched the mainmast bend feebly, with wave after wave drenching the ship’s deck and flooding into the cabin.
—David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Melting ice is exposing previously inaccessible resources and opening Arctic shipping routes, intensifying international competition for control of the region.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intensify 
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Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Banks are on a winning streak, one that’s poised to intensify as President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As the winds intensified, the men watched the mainmast bend feebly, with wave after wave drenching the ship’s deck and flooding into the cabin.
—David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Melting ice is exposing previously inaccessible resources and opening Arctic shipping routes, intensifying international competition for control of the region.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intensify
Dictionary Entries Near intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 20 Jan. 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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