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
One reason is likely intensifying EV competition, especially from companies like China’s BYD.
—
Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
But that pressure has been intensified by the Trump administration – especially on the offshore wind industry.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Lopez blooms the chiles with olive oil to further intensify their smoky flavor.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
In August 2019, Lori and Chad moved to Rexburg, Idaho, and their relationship only intensified.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
But that pressure has been intensified by the Trump administration – especially on the offshore wind industry.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Lopez blooms the chiles with olive oil to further intensify their smoky flavor.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
In August 2019, Lori and Chad moved to Rexburg, Idaho, and their relationship only intensified.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 8 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 13 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share