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
While inflation and rising interest rates have intensified financial pressure across the board, the impact has been disproportionately severe for those already operating at a capital disadvantage, which includes many women of color entrepreneurs.
—
Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Black women are often conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and this tendency may intensify during the summertime demands.
—Essence, 26 June 2025
Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Warning Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned Iran's intensifying crackdown following the ceasefire that ended nearly two weeks of conflict.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Black women are often conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and this tendency may intensify during the summertime demands.
—Essence, 26 June 2025
Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Warning Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned Iran's intensifying crackdown following the ceasefire that ended nearly two weeks of conflict.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 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 30 Jun. 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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