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
Recent layoff announcements have only intensified these concerns.
—
C200, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Russia recently has intensified its airstrikes on civilian areas.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Limited Warning Time and Rapid Onset Many of the flash floods happened very quickly, often within minutes of rainfall intensifying.
—Hannah Parry
amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Kenya’s government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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C200, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Russia recently has intensified its airstrikes on civilian areas.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Limited Warning Time and Rapid Onset Many of the flash floods happened very quickly, often within minutes of rainfall intensifying.
—Hannah Parry
amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Kenya’s government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 July 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 12 Jul. 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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