intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 
intensified; intensifying
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
1
: to make intense or more intensive : strengthen
2
a
: to make more acute : sharpen
b
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by chemical treatment
Synonyms
Examples of intensify in a Sentence
We could hear the wind howling outside as the storm intensified.
They intensified their efforts to increase sales.
an intensified search for survivors
Recent Examples on the Web
As protests over Israel’s war in Gaza continue to intensify, especially on college campuses, activists are preparing to be in Chicago this summer for the Democratic National Convention.
—
Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: The Fed should not cut rates but may still do so in a futile attempt to forestall inevitably intensifying economic turmoil.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify 
Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: The Fed should not cut rates but may still do so in a futile attempt to forestall inevitably intensifying economic turmoil.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 5 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensifier
noun
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
Medical Definition
intensify
verb
in·ten·si·fy
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī
intensified; intensifying
2
a
: to increase the density and contrast of (a photographic image) by special treatment
b
: to make more acute
use of illicit drugs intensified the patient's condition
: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
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