heighten

verb

height·​en ˈhī-tᵊn How to pronounce heighten (audio)
heightened; heightening ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce heighten (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the threats heightened, her mother desperately searched for a way to protect her youngest daughter. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Awareness of racial injustice was heightened, but five years later, there has been a backlash. Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 The sun enters Leo, heightening our desires and swagger. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 July 2025 Competition over cost of living, taxes and the potential impact of national political figures heighten the significance of this year's election. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for heighten

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heighten was in 1523

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Cite this Entry

“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

heighten

verb
height·​en ˈhīt-ᵊn How to pronounce heighten (audio)
heightened; heightening ˈhīt-niŋ How to pronounce heighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make or become brighter or greater
heightened the citizens' awareness
2
: to raise high or higher : elevate

More from Merriam-Webster on heighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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