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

The opening of Rise of the Resistance was expected to heighten demand. — Scott Craven, azcentral, "Star Wars Rise of the Resistance to open first at Disney World, then Disneyland in 2020," 11 July 2019 To heighten the empowerment sensation, the superhero genre often uses horror elements. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "Since season 1, Jessica Jones has struggled to mix horror with superheroes," 18 June 2019 Cameras were affixed to Sherpas’ helmets to heighten the immediacy of the footage. — Michael Kodas, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Mount Everest is packed. Whose fault is that?," 7 June 2019 The report’s uninflected narrative—not an adjective or characterization in sight—actually serves to heighten the drama inherent in this scene. — Linda Greenhouse, The New York Review of Books, "The Impeachment Question," 30 May 2019 This includes measures to heighten the security and resilience of election systems and processes, to confront Russian and other foreign maligned influence in the United States. — Fox News, "Eric Trump: Hypocrisy of the media is really incredible," 3 Aug. 2018 The character may have lost some of the enigmatic qualities that have enticed modern-day actors to heighten the darker, more turbulent side of the magician-scholar’s nature. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, "'The Tempest' at the Old Globe: Kate Burton casts a benevolent spell as Prospera," 26 June 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, Houston Chronicle, "UT defeats Tennessee Tech to force Game 3 of super regional," 10 June 2018 The speculation linking Martins to Arsenal as heightened in recent days, with reports claiming the 23-year old has cancelled his contract with Sporting following a violent incident involving the Lisbon based side's supporters. — SI.com, "Journalist Claims That Arsenal Have Been Keeping Tabs on Portuguese Star for 'a Number of Years'," 16 June 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.