deepen

American  

[dee-puhn] / ˈdi pən /

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.

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deepen British  

/ ˈdiːpən /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of deepen

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

Example Sentences

Arsenal brought in seven permanent signings last summer to deepen the quality of the squad.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

But these earlier images deepen our understanding of the social causes that mattered to him, echoing scenes from Vietnam and domestic race riots that clearly shaped a pacifist perspective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Add red pepper flakes and dried oregano, letting them bloom in the fat just long enough to wake up—fragrant, a little toasty, the edges of their flavor beginning to soften and deepen.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The changes are meant to improve brand awareness and deepen the company’s knowledge of consumer demographics and shopping patterns, since managers of neighboring stores can share expertise, Moran said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The new posts were thicker and longer than the old ones, so Finn and Miguel took turns with the posthole digger to widen and deepen the hole.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby

Related Words

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