intense

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adjective in·tense \in-ˈten(t)s\

Definition of intense

1a : existing in an extreme degree the excitement was intense intense painb : having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree intense colors
2 : marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration intense effort
3a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose an intense studentb : deeply felt

intensely

adverb

intenseness

noun

See intense defined for English-language learners

See intense defined for kids

Examples of intense in a Sentence

He shielded his eyes from the intense flash of light.
She has an intense dislike for her husband's friend.
After many years of intense study, he received his medical degree.
School reform is a subject of intense debate.
The work requires intense concentration.
He was an intense young man who was very determined to do well in school.

Recent Examples of intense from the Web

Cable and satellite-TV providers pay fees to network owners for the right to carry their channels, and the negotiations have gotten even more intense now that more pay-TV subscribers are cutting the cord.

— alex sherman, chicagotribune.com, "Scripps deal talks won't solve challenges of skinny bundle world," 19 July 2017
Cable and satellite-TV providers pay fees to network owners for the right to carry their channels, and the negotiations have gotten even more intense now that more pay-TV subscribers are cutting the cord.

— alex sherman, Bloomberg.com, "Discovery in Talks to Buy Scripps in Cable Megadeal: WSJ," 18 July 2017
Daimler and other European automakers have faced intense criticism from environmental groups and some governments for exploiting loopholes in regulations that allow car companies to dial back emissions controls to protect the engine.

— jack ewing and prashant s. rao, New York Times, "Daimler to Modify 3 Million Mercedes Cars Over Diesel Concerns," 18 July 2017
If you were fooled by the recent photo of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin having an intense discussion at the G20 summit, don’t feel bad.

— giorgia guglielmi, Science | AAAS, "Can you tell whether this photo has been manipulated?," 17 July 2017
The company has faced intense criticism for its lack of diversity and has only recently begun to address the matter.

— mike isaac, The Seattle Times, "Uber offers a thankless job, and the applicants flood In," 16 July 2017
As the flames licked up the side of the tower witnesses said the fire seemed to grow more intense.

— j. weston phippen, The Atlantic, "A Fire Kills 3 in a Honolulu High-Rise Without Sprinklers," 15 July 2017
And even a show like Fargo, which is quirky and funny, is still intense and dark.

— zach schonfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, "'The Big Sick': Kumail Nanjiani and Ray Romano on Playing Future In-Laws and Bombing Live," 14 July 2017
The attacks underscore the intense violence still plaguing the battered nation and the perils that will remain even after IS militants are pushed out of Mosul.

— andrea rosa, chicagotribune.com, "Islamic State women suicide bombers hit back in Mosul; 15 die in Iraq," 3 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of intense

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intensus, from past participle of intendere to stretch out

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First Known Use: 15th century

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INTENSE Defined for English Language Learners

intense

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adjective

Definition of intense for English Language Learners

: very great in degree : very strong
: done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort
of a person : very serious

INTENSE Defined for Kids

intense

play

adjective in·tense \in-ˈtens\

Definition of intense for Students

1 : very great in degree : extreme intense heat
2 : done with great energy, enthusiasm, or effort intense concentration
3 : having very strong feelings an intense person

intensely

adverb

Medical Dictionary

intense

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adjective in·tense \in-ˈten(t)s\

Medical Definition of intense

1a: existing in an extreme degree intense anxietyb: extremely marked or pronounced a neurodermatitis with intense itching and burning of the skin—H. G. Armstrongc: very large or considerable intense radiation
2a: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperamentb: deeply felt intense emotions