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
Maduro’s government intensified its campaign against dissent in the tense months before last year’s presidential election, targeting both real and imagined opponents in a sweeping crackdown on the opposition.
—
Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Federal workforce reductions and rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have only intensified these trends, highlighting systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women in the labor market.
—Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
The Kirk effect appears to be intensifying amid a broader crackdown on people popping off online.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Padrino also accused Washington of sharply intensifying aerial surveillance of Venezuela, citing a surge in spy flights last month.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Federal workforce reductions and rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have only intensified these trends, highlighting systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women in the labor market.
—Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
The Kirk effect appears to be intensifying amid a broader crackdown on people popping off online.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Padrino also accused Washington of sharply intensifying aerial surveillance of Venezuela, citing a surge in spy flights last month.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 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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