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

Other Word Forms

• deepener noun
• deepeningly adverb
• overdeepen verb (used with object)
• undeepened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deepen¹

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

Example Sentences

TEL AVIV—An Israeli military raid in a village in southern Syria erupted into deadly clashes early Friday, deepening a rift between the two neighbors as Israel moves to secure its northern borders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His covetous comments about Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, deepened concerns.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Europeans are now confronting deepening questions about the future of the alliance.

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Introducing a six-month lag would only deepen investor suspicion and hinder the capital markets at a critical time.

Read more on Barron's

“It’s about proving that a different way of building technology, one that deepens friendships and inspires creativity, can succeed in a world that often rewards the opposite.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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