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

The Guardian's departure is also likely to intensify questions about whether others will follow.

From BBC

“His staunch support for Israel and aggressive stance towards Iran’s destabilising efforts made him a key ally in the region, and his return to power is expected to intensify efforts to limit Iran’s influence,” former Israeli intelligence officer Joshua Steinrich says.

From BBC

No doubt the discussions will intensify in the coming days, especially since Trump’s victory comes in the wake of North Korea’s test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

From Slate

“These activities will intensify through election day and in the coming weeks, and that foreign influence narratives will focus on swing states,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, FBI, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a joint statement.

From Los Angeles Times

All action on an increasingly deadly climate crisis would end or be reversed, the right’s repressive anti-trans panic would intensify in its reach and its cruelty, and the reactionaries who wrote Project 2025 would consolidate their power across the administrative state and the federal courts.

From Slate

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