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

Western governments and South Korea say North Korea in recent months has intensified its military support for Russia. —Barry Hatton, Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 2024

During sports competitions that involve intense physical activity, such as soccer, players can experience significant thermoregulatory strain, which may be further intensified by the thermal environment, Lindner-Cendrowska said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2024

Bombardments have intensified in recent months, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into its third winter. —Svitlana Vlasova, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024

Local economists warned that rents could rise across the small island and that Maui’s housing crisis could intensify — and both have come to pass, Civil Beat and ProPublica found. —Nick Grube, ProPublica, 27 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