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

The launch intensifies competition in mobile AI as Google and Microsoft (MSFT-2.16%) vie for smartphone dominance. —Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

With Republicans taking control of the White House and the U.S. Senate, the battle over who controls the House has only intensified post-Election Day — and that runs right through some key, still-close races in Orange County. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024

These disparities in attitude will intensify as the war gets closer to an end and as Ukraine’s postwar status comes into sharper focus. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

The intelligence community warned late Monday that U.S. adversaries are intensifying disinformation efforts around Election Day by promoting false claims surrounding voting. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 5 Nov. 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