Word
intensify
Phoneticsin·ten·si·fy
US/ɪnˈtɛnsəˌfaɪ/
UK/ɪntˈɛnsɪfˌaɪ/
Definition
v. to become stronger or more serious, or to make something do so. You use this when a feeling, a sound, or a situation gets much more powerful.
v. to increase in degree, strength, or magnitude; to make something more intense. Functions as both a transitive and intransitive verb.
Examples
“The rain began to intensify as the sun went down.”
“The police decided to intensify their search for the missing hiker after finding a backpack near the river.”
“Diplomatic efforts to resolve the border dispute are expected to intensify over the coming weeks as both nations face mounting pressure from the international community.”
Examples
simple
“The rain began to intensify as the sun went down.”
contextual
“The police decided to intensify their search for the missing hiker after finding a backpack near the river.”
complex
“Diplomatic efforts to resolve the border dispute are expected to intensify over the coming weeks as both nations face mounting pressure from the international community.”
Usage
Can be used intransitively (the storm intensified) or transitively (they intensified their efforts).
Pitfall
The noise was intensified by the time
The noise intensified over time
Learners often use the passive voice for natural processes that are better described using the intransitive active form.
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“The 2026 K League season started on February 28 and is due to finish on December 6, but in the current climate, calls to move the traditional schedule have intensified.” “Being thrown together to brave blazing summer heat only intensifies existing tensions as Durrant expertly brings the drama to a head.” “Attacks intensified in the run-up to elections completed in January and have not let up since, the report found.” “Warmer ocean surfaces also evaporate more heat and moisture into the air, intensifying tropical storms and loading them with heavier rainfall.” Etymology
From intense + -ify. Compare French intensifier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.