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 rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 Global temperature increases intensify and make heat waves and other severe weather more common. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure ‌this year, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia. — Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026 Political operatives in both parties expect the ruling to accelerate the flow of money into campaigns and intensify the barrage of television and digital ads that already dominate election season. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 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

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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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on intensify

Nglish: Translation of intensify for Spanish Speakers

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