intensify

[ in-ten-suh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

intensified, intensifying.

1. to make intense or more intense.

   Synonyms: concentrate, quicken, deepen

   Antonyms: weaken, alleviate

2. to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen.

   Synonyms: concentrate, quicken, deepen

3. Photography. to increase the density and contrast of (a negative) chemically.

verb (used without object)

intensified, intensifying.

1. to become intense or more intense.

intensify

/ ɪnˈtɛnsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become intense or more intense
2. tr to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate)

Derived Forms

• inˌtensifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• in·tensi·fi·cation noun
• de-in·tensi·fy verb deintensified deintensifying
• over·in·tensi·fi·cation noun
• over·in·tensi·fy verb overintensified overintensifying
• self-in·tensi·fied adjective
• self-in·tensi·fying adjective
• unin·tensi·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intensify¹

First recorded in 1810–20; intense + -ify

Synonym Study

See aggravate.

Example Sentences

In the process, she revivifies the domestic-drama novel, escaping its cliches and intensifying its mood.

From Los Angeles Times

The rhetoric coming from the White House was less hostile, but getting tough on China had become a political necessity for whoever was president, and the trade war only intensified.

From Los Angeles Times

That day, I was in a brown butter mood, so I cooked the mushrooms until they were deeply crisped and golden, their flavor intensified by the nutty richness of browned butter.

From Salon

That battle intensified over the last four years as the EPA tried to evaluate the scope of the public health threat posed by formaldehyde.

From Salon

The lack of a vote will likely intensify growing protests to remove Yoon from office.

From Salon

Related Words

• add to
• aggravate
• boost
• build up
• deepen
• enhance
• escalate
• exacerbate
• heat up
• heighten
• increase
• quicken
• raise
• redouble
• reinforce
• set off
• sharpen
• step up
• strengthen