enhance

[ en-hans, -hahns ]

/ ɛnˈhæns, -ˈhɑns /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR enhance ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), en·hanced, en·hanc·ing.

to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify: The candlelight enhanced her beauty.

to raise the value or price of: Rarity enhances the worth of old coins.

Nearby words

engrossed bill, engrossing, engrossment, engulf, enhalo, enhance, enhanced oil recovery, enhanced radiation weapon, enhancer, enharmonic, enharmonic modulation

Origin of enhance

1325–75; Middle English enhauncen < Anglo-French enhauncer, apparently for Old French enhaucer, equivalent to en- en-¹ + haucer “to raise” (French hausser) from the unattested Vulgar Latin altiāre (derivative of Latin altus “high,” with h- < Germanic; see haughty), though -n- is unexplained

ANTONYMS FOR enhance

1 diminish.

2 reduce.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR enhance ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

en·hance·ment, nounen·hanc·ive, adjectiveself-en·hance·ment, nounun·en·hanced, adjective

Synonym study

2. See elevate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for enhanced

Administration lawyers also approved the "enhanced interrogation techniques" and said they were legally permissible.
Fact-Checking the Sunday Shows: Dec. 14|PunditFact.com|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Six of those over 12 years in prison were part of enhanced sentence due to the fact she was pregnant at the time.
States Slap Pregnant Women With Harsher Jail Sentences|Emily Shire|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After just a “few minutes” of questioning at Cobalt, he was subject to enhanced interrogation techniques.
Inside the CIA’s Sadistic Dungeon|Tim Mak|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The GOP also enhanced its hold on the statehouse, which the party took over two years ago.
Arkansas’s Blue Collar Social Conservatives Don’t Know What’s Coming|Monica Potts|November 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In mid-July the British anti-aircraft guns had been reinforced and enhanced by a new American radar system.
Life Under Air Strikes: Children Under Fire Will Never Forget — or Forgive|Clive Irving|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If he can flourish a whip like a true ringmaster in the circus, the interest of the game will be enhanced.
Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium|Jessie H. Bancroft
But when one marks its date, its notability is enhanced impressively.
Abraham Lincoln's Cardinal Traits;|Clark S. Beardslee
Under these circumstances we must and will invade their rights; provided that our interests are enhanced thereby.
A Review of Uncle Tom's Cabin|A. Woodward
The Marquise wore rouge, and appeared in all the splendor of a toilet which enhanced her beauty.
A Woman of Thirty|Honore de Balzac
And this with him was enhanced by a strong sympathy with old-fashioned prejudices as to family.
The Belton Estate|Anthony Trollope

British Dictionary definitions for enhanced

enhance

/ (ɪnˈhɑːns) /

verb

(tr) to intensify or increase in quality, value, power, etc; improve; augment

Derived Forms

enhancement, nounenhancer, nounenhancive, adjective

Word Origin for enhance

C14: from Old French enhaucier, from en- 1 + haucier to raise, from Vulgar Latin altiāre (unattested), from Latin altus high

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

enhance

verb (used with object), en·hanced, en·hanc·ing.

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Nearby words

Origin of enhance

ANTONYMS FOR enhance

Related forms

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for enhanced

British Dictionary definitions for enhanced

enhance

verb

Derived Forms

Word Origin for enhance