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

The deal, if it happens, would be a strategic advantage for Moscow, which has struggled to deepen its foothold on the continent.

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Tian added that the drop deepened "uncertainty" around China's efforts to modernise its military.

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Western governments seek to deepen their presence in the Arctic to catch up with Russia.

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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.

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

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Related Words

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