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
Like all good bistros, this one serves a roast chicken as burnished as a penny, uncharacteristically earthy and sweet thanks to the funky, flavor-intensifying power of koji.
—
The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Musk and Altman's feud escalates The conflict between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has intensified after Musk amplified a conspiracy theory that an OpenAI whistleblower, whose death had been officially deemed a suicide, was actually murdered.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
The killing has intensified attention on political violence, extremism, and the rapid spread of misinformation.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Musk and Altman's feud escalates The conflict between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has intensified after Musk amplified a conspiracy theory that an OpenAI whistleblower, whose death had been officially deemed a suicide, was actually murdered.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
The killing has intensified attention on political violence, extremism, and the rapid spread of misinformation.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 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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