enhance

en·hance

verb \in-ˈhan(t)s, en-\

: to increase or improve (something)

en·hanceden·hanc·ing

Full Definition of ENHANCE

transitive verb

1

obsolete :  raise

2

:  heighten, increase; especially :  to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness <enhanced the room with crown molding>

— en·hance·ment \-ˈhan(t)-smənt\ noun

Examples of ENHANCE

1. You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs.
2. The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail.
3. The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.

Origin of ENHANCE

Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ENHANCE

Synonyms

ameliorate, amend, better, improve, enrich, help, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade

Antonyms

worsen

Related Words

correct, emend, rectify, reform, remediate, remedy; edit, fine-tune, redraft, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, revamp, revise, rework; beef (up), boost, fortify, intensify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; fine, hone, polish; retouch, touch up

Near Antonyms

damage, endamage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, spoil, tarnish, vitiate; blemish, blight, deface, disfigure, flaw, mar; diminish, lessen, lower, reduce

Rhymes with ENHANCE

advance, barn dance, by chance, clog dance, closed stance, finance, freelance, lap dance, line dance, main chance, New France, romance, round dance, snake dance, square dance, step dance, sun dance, sword dance, tap dance, tea dance, toe dance, war dance