intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

transitive verb

1
: to make intense or more intensive : strengthen
2
a
: to make more acute : sharpen
b
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by chemical treatment
intensification noun

Examples of intensify in a Sentence

We could hear the wind howling outside as the storm intensified. They intensified their efforts to increase sales. an intensified search for survivors
Recent Examples on the Web Then, the death of two dear colleagues last year, Fountain co-founder Deborah Lawlor, and director Shirley Jo Finney, part of the Fountain’s family of artists, intensified his soul-searching. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Terrible crimes such as the murder of Laken Riley intensify voter outrage at the White House’s failure. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, shrinking workforces and rising skill gaps intensify the competition for talent with analytical skills and data competence. Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Their flushed cheeks are intensified by the pink hue of Rachel’s dress. Leah Dolan, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 The criminal investigation intensified in August 2022 when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s home and private club, and seized boxes of material. Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 These storms will intensify and track eastward overnight along the Ohio River, moving into parts of Ohio by early Wednesday morning. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2024 The opposition intensified in 2022 as officers began sweeping the site. Rick Rojas, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Kiribati has not publicly announced the policing deal with China, which comes as Beijing renews a push to expand security ties in the Pacific Islands in an intensifying rivalry with the United States. Reuters, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensify was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near intensify

Cite this Entry

“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensification noun
intensifier
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun

Medical Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying

transitive verb

1
: to make intense or more intensive
2
a
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by special treatment
b
: to make more acute
use of illicit drugs intensified the patient's condition

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
intensification noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intensify

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