English Reference

Word

heightened

Phoneticsheight·ened

US/ˈhaɪtənd/

UK/hˈaɪtənd/

Definitions

01increased intensity

B2

adj. stronger or more intense than normal.

adj. increased in intensity, degree, or concentration.

“The soldiers were in a state of heightened alert after the recent news.”

“The ongoing negotiations were conducted under conditions of heightened security following the anonymous threats received by the embassy.”

02stronger emotions or senses

B2

adj. describes feelings or senses that are much sharper or more powerful than usual.

adj. referring to emotional or sensory perceptions that have become more acute or profound.

“She felt a heightened sense of excitement as the plane landed.”

“Patients often report a heightened sensitivity to light and sound during the early stages of a migraine attack.”

Antonyms

dullednumbed

Real-World Examples

“However, there is a heightened security police presence in some parts of the capital.”
BBC News · 17 Aug 2026
“Despite heightened tensions, heavy security presence in the Tarajal border region has restored a temporary calm.”
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug 2026

Collocations

heightened risk

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference