intensify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make intense or more intense.
- Synonyms:
- concentrate, quicken, deepen
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to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen.
- Synonyms:
- concentrate, quicken, deepen
-
Photography. to increase the density and contrast of (a negative) chemically.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to make or become intense or more intense
-
(tr) to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate)
Synonym Usage
See aggravate.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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intensificationnoun
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overintensificationnoun
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de-intensifyverb
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overintensifyverb
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self-intensifiedadjective
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self-intensifyingadjective
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unintensifiedadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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intensifysimple
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intensifiessimple
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have intensifiedperfect
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has intensifiedperfect
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am intensifyingprogressive
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are intensifyingprogressive
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is intensifyingprogressive
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have been intensifyingperfect progressive
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has been intensifyingperfect progressive
Past
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intensifiedsimple
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had intensifiedperfect
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was intensifyingprogressive
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were intensifyingprogressive
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had been intensifyingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of intensify
Explanation
To intensify is to increase the intensity, force, or power of something. If you snap a selfie and the colors aren't intense enough, you may be able to intensify them with a photo editor. You can see the word "intense" in intensify, which clues you in to the meaning of the verb. When you make something more intense, you intensify it — make it more of whatever it is. Believe it or not, a pinch of salt can actually intensify the sweetness of the sugar in a cake. It makes it even sweeter. Storm chasers never know whether a tornado will continue to intensify or begin to abate as they approach — and the difference could mean life or death for them.
Vocabulary lists containing intensify
Power Suffix: -fy
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A Long Way Gone
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"What Is the Horror Genre?" Vocabulary from the literary criticism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the July 1, 2026, print edition as 'Fuel Shortages Intensify Pressure on Putin'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026
Appeared in the March 6, 2026, print edition as 'Large-Scale Attacks Intensify Tensions in Middle East'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
“Even if we don’t find the love of my life alive, they have to be found, please. Intensify these searches.”
From Seattle Times • Jun. 8, 2022
Intensify the work of a Trilateral Contact Group including representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE.
From Reuters • Dec. 6, 2021
Intensify animal instinct ever so much, and you have not reached the plane of reason.
From Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
