intensify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make intense or more intense.
- Synonyms:
- concentrate, quicken, deepen
-
to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen.
- Synonyms:
- concentrate, quicken, deepen
-
Photography. to increase the density and contrast of (a negative) chemically.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to make or become intense or more intense
-
(tr) to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate)
Related Words
See aggravate.
Other Word Forms
- de-intensify verb
- intensification noun
- overintensification noun
- overintensify verb
- self-intensified adjective
- self-intensifying adjective
- unintensified adjective
Etymology
Origin of intensify
Explanation
To intensify is to increase the intensity, force, or power of something. If you snap a selfie and the colors aren't intense enough, you may be able to intensify them with a photo editor. You can see the word "intense" in intensify, which clues you in to the meaning of the verb. When you make something more intense, you intensify it — make it more of whatever it is. Believe it or not, a pinch of salt can actually intensify the sweetness of the sugar in a cake. It makes it even sweeter. Storm chasers never know whether a tornado will continue to intensify or begin to abate as they approach — and the difference could mean life or death for them.
Vocabulary lists containing intensify
Power Suffix: -fy
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A Long Way Gone
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"What Is the Horror Genre?" Vocabulary from the literary criticism
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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.
As first-quarter earnings loom “amidst parabolic AI revenue inflections at foundational model leaders,” Citi Research analysts expect the concerns around the durability of business models for software-as-a-service companies to intensify in the months ahead.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
U.S. stocks continued to rebound Monday, with investors awaiting clarity on whether the Middle East war will pause or intensify in the coming days.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
Each year, more than 275 million tons of it are converted into carbon dioxide, adding to global warming and creating a feedback loop that can intensify climate change.
From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026
“If the current de-escalation proves temporary and we see hostilities intensify again, the market would likely begin pricing in that path.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
I speak under the threat of mob-rule and have no desire to intensify the already existing hate.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
