heighten

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verb

Definition of HEIGHTEN

1

to make markedly greater in measure or degree <several controversial measures have heightened parental awareness of the impact of school policy decisions>

Synonyms accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen

Related Words broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen; accelerate, hasten, quicken; emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress; augment, enforce, reinforce (also reenforce), restrengthen, supplement; maximize; enliven, jazz (up); aggravate, exacerbate

Near Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten

Antonyms abate, moderate

2

to move from a lower to a higher place or position <heightened the hem on her skirt just a couple of inches>

Synonyms boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack (up), lift, perk (up), pick up, take up, up, uphold, uplift, upraise

Related Words ascend, mount, rise; rear, upend

Near Antonyms descend, dip, fall, pitch, plunge, slip; bear, depress, press, push; sink, submerge

Antonyms drop, lower