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.

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