deepen

[ dee-puhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become deep or deeper: deep:

   Larger ships will be able to navigate the river after the main channel is deepened. The shadows deepened toward late afternoon.

2. Meteorology. to decrease in atmospheric pressure:

   a deepening cyclone.

deepen

/ ˈdiːpən /

verb

1. to make or become deep, deeper, or more intense

Derived Forms

• ˈdeepener, noun

Other Words From

• deepen·er noun
• deepen·ing·ly adverb
• over·deepen verb (used with object)
• un·deepened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deepen¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; deep + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Adani took to X to congratulate Trump after his victory, and said that his group would spend $10 billion on energy security and infrastructure — a sign of deepening U.S.-India ties.

From New York Times

He and his family members have also deepened business ties with the Gulf, sometimes through real estate deals.

From Los Angeles Times

Though dramatic in nomenclature, a bomb cyclone is a low pressure system found north of the tropics and south of the Arctic that deepens, or intensifies, very rapidly over a 24-hour period.

From Los Angeles Times

“SNAP is the first line of defense to address our nation’s deepening hunger crisis,” FitzSimons said.

From Salon

So the Dodgers can strengthen baseball’s best lineup, deepen their historic batting order, tighten their versatile defense, become even more exciting, more enchanting, more unbeatable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggravate
• develop
• enhance
• expand
• heighten
• increase
• intensify
• redouble
• reinforce
• strengthen