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
To be clear, that’s a long time for a rum to age in a tropical climate, as the interaction between wood and spirit is intensified by the heat and humidity (the angel’s share ranges between 6 and 15 percent annually, according to a rep for the brand).
—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The format escalates through semi-finals and a final scheduled for June 25, intensifying constraints to simulate high-pressure competitive conditions.
—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
24 June 2026
Hundreds of records have already been shattered, with more expected as the heat intensifies today through Thursday.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
The operation was part of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries that has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to ward off Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The format escalates through semi-finals and a final scheduled for June 25, intensifying constraints to simulate high-pressure competitive conditions.
—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
24 June 2026
Hundreds of records have already been shattered, with more expected as the heat intensifies today through Thursday.
—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
The operation was part of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries that has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to ward off Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
24 June 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 25 Jun. 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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