WordVale

intensify

/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/  ·  say it: in·TEN·suh·fy

to become more intense

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to become stronger or more extreme; to make something stronger or more extreme

2. (verb) to increase in degree or amount

Examples

• 1. The conflict intensified when both sides refused to negotiate.
• 2. The government plans to intensify its efforts to reduce pollution.

How to use intensify

Intensify is used to describe something becoming stronger, more severe, or more pronounced, either naturally or through deliberate action. It often carries a sense of increase or escalation and is commonly used in contexts involving emotions, conflicts, efforts, or physical phenomena. It is slightly more formal than strengthen and more specific than increase.

Common phrases

• intensify efforts
• intensify pressure
• intensify competition
• intensify the conflict
• intensify over time

Synonyms

strengthen · heighten · escalate · amplify · deepen

Opposites

weaken · diminish · reduce

Word family

intensity (noun) · intense (adjective) · intensely (adverb) · intensification (noun)

A common mistake

Learners often use intensify intransitively when a transitive sense is needed, or vice versa; remember it can be both (the pain intensified; we intensified our efforts).

Nearby in Actions & Behavior

deteriorate, dwindle, escalate, subside, diminish, amplify

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained