# intensify

/ɪnˈtɛnsəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛnsɪfˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intensify
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The noise was intensified by the time" but "The noise intensified over time" — Learners often use the passive voice for natural processes that are better described using the intransitive active form.

## Usage notes

- Can be used intransitively (the storm intensified) or transitively (they intensified their efforts).

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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.