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
Although the film pleasingly goes full Latin-American Peckinpah — yet with a far more convincing and righteous anti-colonial streak — threaded throughout are dreamlike interludes and flashbacks that provide generational historical context to the events and intensify the atmosphere.
—
David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
But this strategy can intensify feelings of anxiety and hinder a job search.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 May 2026
The fallout intensified as general manager Nico Harrison faced mounting scrutiny over the Doncic deal, which brought in Anthony Davis but yielded little on‑court stability, before Harrison was ultimately dismissed.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Dwindling opportunities Before violence intensified after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Millet and his players traveled across Haiti to compete and to learn about the country.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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David Katz, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
But this strategy can intensify feelings of anxiety and hinder a job search.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 May 2026
The fallout intensified as general manager Nico Harrison faced mounting scrutiny over the Doncic deal, which brought in Anthony Davis but yielded little on‑court stability, before Harrison was ultimately dismissed.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Dwindling opportunities Before violence intensified after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Millet and his players traveled across Haiti to compete and to learn about the country.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 May 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 21 May. 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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