heighten

American  

[hahyt-n] / ˈhaɪt n /

verb (used with object)

1. to increase the height of; make higher.

2. to increase the degree or amount of; augment.

   Cézanne's death heightened the value of his paintings.

3. to strengthen, deepen, or intensify.

   to heighten the plot of a story; to heighten one's awareness or appreciation; to heighten one's suffering.

4. to bring out the important features of, as in a drawing.

   to heighten a picture with Chinese white.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become higher.

2. to increase.

   The tension heightened as the enemy forces advanced.

3. to brighten or become more intense.

heighten British  

/ ˈhaɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become high or higher

2. to make or become more extreme or intense

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Related Words

See elevate.

Other Word Forms

• heightened adjective
• heightener noun
• unheightened adjective

Etymology

Origin of heighten

First recorded in 1515–25; height + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Telling applicants that they were being evaluated likely heightened their anxiety and maybe even soured them on the loan, she says.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Big clusters of debris-filled microglia form, heightening inflammation up and down the spinal cord. And when that happens, the tissue doesn't repair as well."

From Science Daily

The company said its profit rose in the latest quarter despite 2025 being marked by heightened geopolitical risks, trade policy uncertainty and market volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal

"For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24°C reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep," Dr. O'Connor said.

From Science Daily

Although the world of the movie is heightened and beautifully garish, the romance is more grounded.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• add to
• boost
• enhance
• improve
• increase
• magnify
• raise
• strengthen