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
And in a fast-growing region like Charlotte, advocates say those pressures are only likely to intensify if the gap between supply and demand continues to widen.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Jury convicted Anthony earlier Tuesday The jury convicted Anthony of murder in the stabbing death of 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet – a case that drew national attention and intensified conversations about self‑defense, race, and safety at school events.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 10 June 2026
And those farmers are horribly disillusioned by this intensifying deflation and depression that spreads after 1873.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
While Hezbollah continued attacking northern Israel, the Israeli military intensified its occupation of Lebanese territory.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Jury convicted Anthony earlier Tuesday The jury convicted Anthony of murder in the stabbing death of 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet – a case that drew national attention and intensified conversations about self‑defense, race, and safety at school events.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 10 June 2026
And those farmers are horribly disillusioned by this intensifying deflation and depression that spreads after 1873.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
While Hezbollah continued attacking northern Israel, the Israeli military intensified its occupation of Lebanese territory.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 10 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 13 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
