heighten

verb

height·en | \ ˈhī-tᵊn

heightened; heightening\ ˈhīt-niŋ

, ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ \

Definition of heighten

transitive verb

1a : 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

2a : to raise high or higher : elevate

b : to raise above the ordinary or trite

3 obsolete : elate

intransitive verb

1 archaic : grow, rise

2a : to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent

b : to become brighter or more intense

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about heighten

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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

Porsche also has heightened the technology quotient, adding various active dynamic systems. — Car and Driver, "2019 10Best Cars," 28 Nov. 2018 Clemens hammered a solo home run over the right field fence and on his way around the bases decided to heighten the budding drama within this series. — Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, "Texas forces Game 3 with win over Tennessee Tech," 10 June 2018 In a decision expected to heighten the downtown experience in both Fishers and Noblesville, the federal Surface Transportation Board has given both cities the go-ahead to convert the Nickel Plate railroad to a greenway. — John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Feds give go-ahead to Nickel Plate greenway in Hamilton County," 1 June 2018 In what’s either a brilliant strategy to heighten the suspense or an annoying affectation — probably both — Brud only preaches grandiose ideas about fighting fake news with fake news, and using influencers to make the world a better place. — Emilia Petrarca, The Cut, "Body Con Job," 11 May 2018 The district supports the federal government's efforts to heighten Shasta Dam, about 30 miles away. — Ryan Sabalow And Dale Kasler, sacbee, "This one stretch of river could decide the future of Shasta Dam | The Sacramento Bee," 7 May 2018 That win stands only to heighten speculation as to whether Cranston — who won a Tony for his 2014 Broadway debut in All the Way — will return to the New York stage in this physically and emotionally demanding role. — Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, "The Olivier Awards 2018: Full List of Winners," 8 Apr. 2018 When petitioner began to cry, the agent exchanged the handgun for a power drill that was revved to heighten the effect. — Andrew Sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Isn’t Merely Tolerating Torture — He’s Celebrating It," 6 Apr. 2018 As Stamatakis explained, being physically inactive — not just sitting a lot — is what appears to heighten the risk of chronic disease. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "Americans sit too much. Standing desks aren’t going to fix the problem.," 20 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heighten.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.