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
The violence came as Israel’s government presses ahead with new settlements in the West Bank and attacks by settlers — including arsons, shootings and beatings — have intensified as attention shifts to the Iran war.
—
Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The show also lands at a moment of intensifying international demand for distinctive ensemble dramas rooted in strong local milieus but built around recognisable genre engines.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
The two sides have been swapping proposals, and talks intensified late last week after weeks of stalemate.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Teenagers with difficulty accessing their outpatient mental health care come to the ED in crisis, with intensifying depression or anxiety.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The show also lands at a moment of intensifying international demand for distinctive ensemble dramas rooted in strong local milieus but built around recognisable genre engines.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
The two sides have been swapping proposals, and talks intensified late last week after weeks of stalemate.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Teenagers with difficulty accessing their outpatient mental health care come to the ED in crisis, with intensifying depression or anxiety.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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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