intensifier

[ in-ten-suh-fahy-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that intensifies.
2. Grammar. a word, especially an adverb, or other linguistic element that indicates, and usually increases, the degree of emphasis or force to be given to the element it modifies, as very or somewhat; intensive adverb.
3. a ram-operated device for increasing hydraulic pressure.

intensifier

/ ɪnˈtɛnsɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intensifies
2. a word, esp an adjective or adverb, that has little semantic content of its own but that serves to intensify the meaning of the word or phrase that it modifies: awfully and up are intensifiers in the phrases awfully sorry and cluttered up
3. See reducer
   a substance, esp one containing silver or uranium, used to increase the density of a photographic film or plate Compare reducer

Word History and Origins

Origin of intensifier¹

First recorded in 1825–35; intensify + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As Felix put it, he was "very dead," though the word hardly admits of an intensifier.

From Project Gutenberg

The foregoing uranium bath acts as an intensifier while conferring a ruddy tone on the deposit.

From Project Gutenberg

The bulb hangs downward from the terminal t, the zinc sheet Z, performing the double office of intensifier and reflector.

From Project Gutenberg

The apparatus known as an intensifier was then used, by which any pressure required could be obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

Multiple intensifier is round and black; looks powerful; attendant says 360 horse power.

From Project Gutenberg