intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

transitive verb

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

intensification

in-ˌten(t)s-fə-ˈkā-shən 

-ˌten(t)-sə-

noun

Synonyms

• accentuate
• amp (up)
• amplify
• beef (up)
• boost
• consolidate
• deepen
• enhance
• heighten
• magnify
• redouble
• step up
• strengthen

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

However, with a level of demand that is surging at these rates comes intensifying environmental costs. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Another testament to his value, perhaps, but also to a roster construction issue that has proved intractable as the season has gone along — and has intensified in recent weeks. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

Since then, though, Xi has abolished Presidential term limits, decimated civil society, and intensified clampdowns on free expression. —Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024

The winds will die down, and rain will eventually return to Southern California, but this one-two punch of high wind and parched landscapes will recur and intensify in the future. —Kylie Mohr, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

: to make or become intense or more intensive

intensification

-ˌten(t)-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

intensifier

-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

Medical Definition

intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

transitive verb

1

: to make intense or more intensive

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

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed

intensification

-ˌten(t)s-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun