intensify

verb

in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying
Synonyms of intensify

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute

transitive verb

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
intensification
in-ˌten(t)s-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intensify (audio)
-ˌten(t)-sə-
noun

Synonyms of intensify

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The complex political and economic climate has only intensified their desire to invest their own time and resources in uplifting other Latino and Hispanic creatives. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Their push intensified as questions emerged about district contracts and payments involving a consultant with ties to Sneed. — Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 At the same time, though, supply pressures have intensified, according to researchers at S&P Global and GEP, who produce the monthly GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Concerns about the future of the software development career are well-founded, and intensified as companies adopted AI-powered coding tools, especially as those tools keep getting better. — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intensify

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensify was in 1817

Rhymes for intensify

See All Rhymes for intensify

Browse Nearby Words

intensifier
intensify
intension
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying
: to make or become intense or more intensive
intensification
-ˌten(t)-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intensify (audio)
noun
intensifier
-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun

Medical Definition

intensify

verb
in·​ten·​si·​fy in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce intensify (audio)
intensified; intensifying

transitive verb

1
: to make intense or more intensive
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

intransitive verb

: to become intense or more intensive : grow stronger or more acute
the sore throat, headache, and fever intensified as the disease progressed
intensification
-ˌten(t)s-(ə-)fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intensify (audio)
noun
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