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
Their experience is raw material, and, for crew members, the passion and memories attached to this raw material are intensified by relations of class and power.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Attacks on Israel have intensified, with Yemen's Houthis targeting the south of the country and announcing their participation alongside Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
—Max Burman, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
The federal government intensified efforts to expand family detention indefinitely by motioning to terminate a cornerstone policy ensuring the protection of immigrant children in federal custody.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crisis intensified in 2024, that segment largely disappeared.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intensify
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Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Attacks on Israel have intensified, with Yemen's Houthis targeting the south of the country and announcing their participation alongside Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
—Max Burman, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
The federal government intensified efforts to expand family detention indefinitely by motioning to terminate a cornerstone policy ensuring the protection of immigrant children in federal custody.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crisis intensified in 2024, that segment largely disappeared.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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