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
As days passed with no contact, concern intensified. —
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 In this broad region, a large, long-lasting and record-setting marine heat wave has set in and is forecast to persist and intensify, altering the weather conditions on the West Coast and adversely affecting the marine food chain. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Her hopes to marry for love intensify when Agnes has the chance to dance with Garth at the ball. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 In Lebanon, Amal Khalil became the fourth journalist killed by Israeli fire since hostilities with the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah intensified on March 2. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intensify
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.
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 In this broad region, a large, long-lasting and record-setting marine heat wave has set in and is forecast to persist and intensify, altering the weather conditions on the West Coast and adversely affecting the marine food chain. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Her hopes to marry for love intensify when Agnes has the chance to dance with Garth at the ball. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 In Lebanon, Amal Khalil became the fourth journalist killed by Israeli fire since hostilities with the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah intensified on March 2. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intensify
Cite this Entry
“Intensify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/intensify. Accessed 24 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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