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
Sounds like a rounding error, but the extra couple of percentage points of creamy fat is what really intensifies the flavor.
—
Elliott Harrell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Nike also faces intensifying competition from upstarts like Hoka and resurgent rivals such as Adidas in the footwear category.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
If storms do intensify in the afternoon and evening, a few could be strong to severe, with hail and damaging winds.
—Nelly Carreno, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
About 100,000 thunderstorms rumble across the United States each year, but just 10% intensify into a severe thunderstorm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Elliott Harrell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Nike also faces intensifying competition from upstarts like Hoka and resurgent rivals such as Adidas in the footwear category.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
If storms do intensify in the afternoon and evening, a few could be strong to severe, with hail and damaging winds.
—Nelly Carreno, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
About 100,000 thunderstorms rumble across the United States each year, but just 10% intensify into a severe thunderstorm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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