intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 
intensified; intensifying
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
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
Synonyms
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
The debate has intensified as gun violence spiked during the pandemic.
—
Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 June 2024
Top Kansas legislators have intensified efforts to woo the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by offering to let the professional football franchise shape a plan for using state bonds to finance a new stadium in Kansas.
—Eli Joseph, Fortune, 5 June 2024
But if current trends hold, and geopolitical competition and instability keep intensifying, Modi may find himself under growing pressure to get off the fence.
—Michael Kugelman, TIME, 5 June 2024
Officials say China’s efforts to entice pilots to train the People’s Liberation Army stretch back years but have intensified.
—Helene Cooper, New York Times, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify 
Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 June 2024
Top Kansas legislators have intensified efforts to woo the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by offering to let the professional football franchise shape a plan for using state bonds to finance a new stadium in Kansas.
—Eli Joseph, Fortune, 5 June 2024
But if current trends hold, and geopolitical competition and instability keep intensifying, Modi may find himself under growing pressure to get off the fence.
—Michael Kugelman, TIME, 5 June 2024
Officials say China’s efforts to entice pilots to train the People’s Liberation Army stretch back years but have intensified.
—Helene Cooper, New York Times, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify
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.
Dictionary Entries Near intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensifier
noun
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
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
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
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