intensify
verb (used with object)
to make intense or more intense.
had been intensifying
-
past perfect progressiveof intensify.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
At the start of the negotiations, the conflict had been intensifying, and Ethiopia and its Eritrean allies were advancing toward Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region.
From New York Times ● Nov. 2, 2022
The pressure to return to in-classroom learning had been intensifying for months, and Newsom’s “California Safe School for All” plan was an attempt to temper growing discontent.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2021
Top Sanders aides had been intensifying talks with the Biden campaign in recent days to find common ground on policies.
From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2020
This change had been intensifying for a while, bringing her an ingenious freedom.
From New York Times ● Apr. 30, 2016
The drought had been intensifying during the week ended last Thursday, with crops suffering across the Midwest and central Plains, according to a report issued by climate experts last Thursday.
From Reuters ● Aug. 6, 2012
