intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

transitive verb

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

intensification

in-ˌten(t)s-fə-ˈkā-shən 

-ˌten(t)-sə-

noun

Synonyms of intensify

• deepen
• enhance
• heighten
• strengthen

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

In 2025, after a joint appearance with Prince William at London’s COP30 climate summit, that concern intensified. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2026

Experts say that even after summer heatwaves end in the Northern Hemisphere, El Niño conditions in the Pacific may continue to strengthen and intensify further by early 2027. — CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

As the Taliban have intensified their repression, women have found new ways to continue nonviolent resistance. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Investing in new coal infrastructure also threatens to accelerate climate change, intensifying extreme heat and natural disasters. — Veronica Eady, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for intensify

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify

Kids Definition

intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

: to make or become intense or more intensive

intensification

-ˌten(t)-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

intensifier

-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

Medical Definition

intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī 

intensified; intensifying

transitive verb

1

: to make intense or more intensive

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

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed

intensification

-ˌten(t)s-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun