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, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthenRelated 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, exacerbateNear Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lightenAntonyms 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, raise, hike, hoist, jack (up), lift, perk (up), pick up, take up, up, uphold, uplift, upraiseRelated Words ascend, mount, rise; rear, upendNear Antonyms descend, dip, fall, pitch, plunge, slip; bear, depress, press, push; sink, submergeAntonyms drop, lower