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
Synonyms
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
Such measures risk destabilizing global supply networks, straining reliant industries, and intensifying geopolitical tensions.
—
Michaela Rychetska and Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025
As Israeli forces advanced in Gaza, the IDF intensified operations in Lebanon last year, killing much of its top leadership, including longtime Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, and establishing an effective buffer zone in the south.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
In 1940, as the war in Europe intensified, Stimson, now 42 and with more than a decade of surgical experience, learned that a volunteer group of orthopedic surgeons was organizing to treat war victims in Britain.
—Catherine Musemeche, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
The true secret of what this place is and who created it will be revealed in a clever way, but danger also intensifies when Bartholomew begins to have doubts about the loyalty of her hire.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intensify 
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Michaela Rychetska and Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025
As Israeli forces advanced in Gaza, the IDF intensified operations in Lebanon last year, killing much of its top leadership, including longtime Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, and establishing an effective buffer zone in the south.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
In 1940, as the war in Europe intensified, Stimson, now 42 and with more than a decade of surgical experience, learned that a volunteer group of orthopedic surgeons was organizing to treat war victims in Britain.
—Catherine Musemeche, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
The true secret of what this place is and who created it will be revealed in a clever way, but danger also intensifies when Bartholomew begins to have doubts about the loyalty of her hire.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intensify
Dictionary Entries Near intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 22 Feb. 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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