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

• intensify
• enhance
• deepen
• 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 stakes feel heightened not because of the content itself, but because these shows, by sheer longevity, have become cultural infrastructure. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

Separating the weakling from the herd only heightened their fear. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025

Exercise heightened caution during this period. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025

These tools are meant to heighten intimacy, not serve as a full-time replacement for real human connection. —Essence, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for heighten

• brighten
• chitin
• frighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• tighten
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• enlighten
• exciton
• periphyton

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