heighten

verb height·en \ ˈhī-tᵊn \

Definition of heighten

heightened; heightening play \ˈhīt-niŋ, ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ\

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

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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 of heighten from the Web

Prosciutto & Arugula Salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and shaved Grana Padano cheese give this pizza multiple layers of flavor, which are all heightened by hints of lemon and olive oil.

— steffi victorioso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Every Pizza at Pizzanista!, Ranked," 23 Aug. 2017
In Brazil, ongoing political turmoil may heighten the vulnerability of indigenous groups.

— barbara fraser, Science | AAAS, "Maps reveal how Amazon development is closing in on isolated tribes," 17 Aug. 2017
For another, the pressure on their own members of Congress to get along will be significantly heightened if there is just one final opportunity to go into an election year with a legislative trophy in hand—

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "The GOP Health Care Bill Was a Mess. The GOP’s Tax Plans Are Messier.," 2 Aug. 2017
Instead, when tensions have heightened in recent months Pakistan has banned Indian films, while India has abruptly sent home Pakistani schoolchildren on a goodwill tour and denied visas to Pakistanis seeking medical care.

— The Economist, "Reconciliation is not impossible, but it will be a long, slow process," 22 July 2017
These particular holidays designate the beginning and ending of summer, where excitement is heightened and young people tend to be more reckless on the road.

— katie robinson, Town & Country, "7 Strange Labor Day Facts," 20 July 2017
These deluxe ingredients heighten what’s already compelling: a chef fluent in the language of modern cooking who celebrates the family table.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
Despite President Donald Trump’s tough talk in Little Havana and the Cuban government’s heightened rhetoric in return, the present points to engagement.

— fabiola santiago, miamiherald, "Controversy at UM’s Cuban studies center hurts Cuban exiles, helps regime," 18 July 2017
Called Molly, the drug is a form of Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) and sought after for its ability to create euphoria and heightened sensations in users.

— ariana eunjung cha, chicagotribune.com, "Real-time drug tests at music festivals show 'Molly' often isn't 'Molly'," 12 July 2017

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.