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
Synonyms
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 words and actions that led to May 4th
Anti-war protests on college campuses intensified after April 30, 1970, when President Richard Nixon announced the U.S. invasion of Cambodia — a marked escalation of a war that many hoped was winding down.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 May 2024
Tougher enforcement of bike lane violations could intensify that backlash.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify 
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 May 2024
Tougher enforcement of bike lane violations could intensify that backlash.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intensify
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 8 May. 2024.
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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