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
This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.
—
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Among others, in July 2025, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported how the de facto authorities’ monitoring of women’s adherence to the hijab instruction appeared to intensify in some parts of the country.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The forecast track shows Erin starting to intensify in the coming days, potentially becoming a hurricane by Thursday and a major hurricane — Category 3 or higher — by this weekend near Puerto Rico.
—David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Among others, in July 2025, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported how the de facto authorities’ monitoring of women’s adherence to the hijab instruction appeared to intensify in some parts of the country.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The forecast track shows Erin starting to intensify in the coming days, potentially becoming a hurricane by Thursday and a major hurricane — Category 3 or higher — by this weekend near Puerto Rico.
—David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 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 Aug. 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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