Word
intensify
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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “intensify” in context.
Verb
01. intensify the pressure on the government
“Protesters gathered outside parliament to intensify the pressure on the government to resign.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. intensify the search for survivors
“Rescue teams decided to intensify the search for survivors as weather conditions improved.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. intensify their efforts to reduce emissions
“The government must intensify their efforts to reduce emissions if they want to meet the climate targets.”
verb + possessive + noun + prep + noun
Adverb
04. dramatically intensify the conflict
“The recent border skirmish has served to dramatically intensify the conflict between the two nations.”
adv + verb + noun
05. further intensify the competition
“The entry of new tech giants into the market will further intensify the competition for talented engineers.”
adv + verb + noun
06. rapidly intensify into a hurricane
“Meteorologists warned that the tropical storm could rapidly intensify into a hurricane overnight.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
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
“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.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intensify
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0