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

Now she faces the challenge of replicating that success at the next level, navigating the heightened pressure that comes with coaching in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Where the works are improvements rather than repairs, the landlord has a heightened duty to consider the financial impact on the individual leaseholder and to give full consideration to alternative, cheaper options.

From BBC

Mortality attributable to air pollution and extreme temperatures is a major concern, and it is expected to heighten in the future.

From Science Daily

"The inadequacy of this timescale is heightened by the unprecedented number of new MPs," they said.

From BBC

Programs such as crop insurance, commodity support and nutrition assistance are set to expire at the end of the year, heightening the urgency for Congress to take action.

From Salon

Related Words

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