heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhī-tᵊn 

heightened; heightening ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ 

ˈhīt-niŋ

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

The Amazon show not only hits the game’s major plot points, but adds a new layer of connective tissue to its narrative that mostly heightens its story for the better. —Isaiah Colbert, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024

Spooky Season Is at Its Height as the Sun Enters Scorpio The Sun enters Scorpio at 6:14 p.m. ET, heightening our intuition and innermost sentiments. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

As dopamine sparks feelings of pleasure, norepinephrine or noradrenaline kicks in, heightening both physical and emotional responses. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Mars enters Leo, heightening our enthusiasm and excitement for projects, relationships and endeavours. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 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