heighten

1 to make markedly greater in measure or degree several controversial measures have heightened parental awareness of the impact of school policy decisions Synonyms accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthenRelated Words broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen; accelerate, hasten, quicken; emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress; augment, enforce, reinforce (also reenforce), restrengthen, supplement; maximize; enliven, jazz (up); aggravate, exacerbateNear Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lightenAntonyms abate, moderate

2 to move from a lower to a higher place or position heightened the hem on her skirt just a couple of inches Synonyms boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, raise, hike, hoist, jack (up), lift, perk (up), pick up, take up, up, uphold, uplift, upraiseRelated Words ascend, mount, rise; rear, upendNear Antonyms descend, dip, fall, pitch, plunge, slip; bear, depress, press, push; sink, submergeAntonyms drop, lower