heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhī-tᵊn 

heightened; heightening ˈhīt-niŋ 

ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: to increase the amount or degree of : augment

b

: to make brighter or more intense : deepen

c

: to bring out more strongly : point up

d

: to make more acute : sharpen

2

a

: to raise high or higher : elevate

b

: to raise above the ordinary or trite

3

obsolete : elate

intransitive verb

1

archaic : grow, rise

2

a

: to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent

b

: to become brighter or more intense

Synonyms

• accentuate
• amp (up)
• amplify
• beef (up)
• boost
• consolidate
• deepen
• enhance
• intensify
• magnify
• redouble
• step up
• strengthen

Examples of heighten in a Sentence

The plan will only heighten tensions between the two groups.

This tragedy has heightened our awareness of the need for improved safety measures.

Tensions between the two groups have heightened.

Recent Examples on the Web

These clashes would only heighten in 2023 when the company started scaling at a rapid clip. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 16 May 2024

This heightens the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. —Todd Braje, The Conversation, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhīt-ᵊn 

heightened; heightening ˈhīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: to make or become brighter or greater

heightened the citizens' awareness

2

: to raise high or higher : elevate