# heightened

/ˈhaɪtənd/ (US) · /hˈaɪtənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heightened
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. increased intensity

adjective · CEFR B2

stronger or more intense than normal.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. stronger emotions or senses

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The dog has a heightened sense of smell.
- Security at the airport was heightened following the recent series of threats.
- The protagonist's heightened awareness of her surroundings serves to build tension throughout the final chapter, making every small sound seem like a potential danger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.