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
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
Frustration has intensified in Israel over the delay in returning the bodies of remaining hostages, a condition outlined in the ceasefire agreement that went into effect last week.
—
Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
That pressure has intensified the chase for what’s working — even as fundamentals deteriorate.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach efforts to sway undecided voters and address core policy concerns.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
With each loss, with each mistake Glenn makes — on the field, at the podium — questions about his ability to do the impossible (bring the Jets back from the abyss) intensify.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
That pressure has intensified the chase for what’s working — even as fundamentals deteriorate.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach efforts to sway undecided voters and address core policy concerns.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
With each loss, with each mistake Glenn makes — on the field, at the podium — questions about his ability to do the impossible (bring the Jets back from the abyss) intensify.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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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