heighten

[ hahyt-n ]

verb (used with object)

1. to increase the height of; make higher.
2. to increase the degree or amount of; augment:

   Cézanne's death heightened the value of his paintings.

3. to strengthen, deepen, or intensify:

   to heighten the plot of a story; to heighten one's awareness or appreciation; to heighten one's suffering.

4. to bring out the important features of, as in a drawing:

   to heighten a picture with Chinese white.

verb (used without object)

1. to become higher.
2. to increase:

   The tension heightened as the enemy forces advanced.

3. to brighten or become more intense.

heighten

/ ˈhaɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become high or higher
2. to make or become more extreme or intense

Derived Forms

• ˈheightener, noun
• ˈheightened, adjective

Other Words From

• heighten·er noun
• un·heightened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heighten¹

First recorded in 1515–25; height + -en ¹

Synonym Study

See elevate.

Example Sentences

They found that cash promotes heightened awareness of spending, while cards and apps often lead to a disconnection from the money being spent.

From Science Daily

THC caused certain brain cells, called dopamine neurons, to respond in a hyperactive way, causing a heightened increase in dopamine release.

From Science Daily

“We’re entering a time when the pie is not going to enlarge as rapidly … a time when there is going to be heightened group conflict.”

From Salon

Kane's pointed words, and recent England camps, heighten the feeling that one is very badly needed.

From BBC

In May, Israel’s ambassador to the UN wrote to the secretary-general to complain about Syrian violations, including “armed presence in the area of separation” which “only heighten tensions in our already volatile region”.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to
• boost
• enhance
• improve
• increase
• magnify
• raise
• strengthen