intensify

[ in-ten-suh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ten·si·fied, in·ten·si·fy·ing.

1. to make intense or more intense.

   Synonyms: concentrate, quicken, deepen

   Antonyms: weaken, alleviate

2. to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen.

   Synonyms: concentrate, quicken, deepen

3. Photography. to increase the density and contrast of (a negative) chemically.

verb (used without object)

, in·ten·si·fied, in·ten·si·fy·ing.

1. to become intense or more intense.

intensify

/ ɪnˈtɛnsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become intense or more intense
2. tr to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate)

Derived Forms

• inˌtensifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• in·tensi·fi·cation noun
• de-in·tensi·fy verb deintensified deintensifying
• over·in·tensi·fi·cation noun
• over·in·tensi·fy verb overintensified overintensifying
• self-in·tensi·fied adjective
• self-in·tensi·fying adjective
• unin·tensi·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intensify¹

First recorded in 1810–20; intense + -ify

Synonym Study

See aggravate.

Example Sentences

"We are terrified of the typhoon, as it may intensify and the waters can rise," she told the AFP news agency from a shelter in the eastern Albay province.

From BBC

The debate is expected to intensify as wildfires increase in size and severity, in part because of climate change.

From Los Angeles Times

That only intensified the fears of Amsterdam's Jewish community, although local imams and other members of the Muslim community took part in the commemorations.

From BBC

Politicians of all stripes, our president and president-elect among them, make promises of unifying our divided nation yet rather than finding common ground, the public bifurcation continues to intensify.

From Los Angeles Times

The attacks come as Israel has intensified its air campaign across Lebanon in recent days, including on Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah is based in the capital.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to
• aggravate
• boost
• build up
• deepen
• enhance
• escalate
• exacerbate
• heat up
• heighten
• increase
• quicken
• raise
• redouble
• reinforce
• set off
• sharpen
• step up
• strengthen