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
The strikes and comments suggest the kingdom hasn't been successful in its efforts to intensify diplomatic outreach to Iran.
—
Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
The settlement discussions have intensified since a trial kicked off March 2 and a final agreement could be announced in the coming days, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing confidential matters.
—Josh Sisco, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Public interest in the case intensified after the local press widely reported that the father of one of the suspects served as undersecretary for governance and compliance within Rio’s state social development and human rights department.
—Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Wall Street futures followed global markets lower early Monday and oil prices briefly spiked to nearly $120 per barrel as the Iran war intensified, threatening production and shipping in the Middle East.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
The settlement discussions have intensified since a trial kicked off March 2 and a final agreement could be announced in the coming days, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing confidential matters.
—Josh Sisco, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Public interest in the case intensified after the local press widely reported that the father of one of the suspects served as undersecretary for governance and compliance within Rio’s state social development and human rights department.
—Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Wall Street futures followed global markets lower early Monday and oil prices briefly spiked to nearly $120 per barrel as the Iran war intensified, threatening production and shipping in the Middle East.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 9 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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