intensify
in-TEN-sih-fy
/ɪnˈten.sɪ.faɪ/
To become or make something greater in degree, strength, or force.
A very broad term that can apply to light, sound, emotions, or physical efforts. It suggests a concentration of power.
The story behind the word. The root is 'tensus', the same root as 'tension'. Imagine a string on a violin being stretched tighter and tighter. As the tension increases, the sound becomes sharper and more 'intense'.
Word relationships
- heighten: Heighten often refers to the 'level' of an emotion or awareness, while intensify refers to the 'strength' or 'force' of an action.
- moderate: Moderate means to make something less extreme or intense.
- weaken: Weaken means to lose strength or power.
Commonly confused with
- increase: Increase is about quantity; intensify is about quality or strength.
Word family
- intensity (noun): The quality of being intense.
- intense (adjective): Existing in a high degree.
Collocations
- intensify efforts
- intensify the search
- intensify the pressure
Example sentences
- "The hurricane is expected to intensify as it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf." Weather reporting
- "The bombardment began to intensify as the sun went down, lighting up the horizon." Military history
Memory hook
Think of 'in-tension'. When you increase the tension, you intensify the situation. Intensify: Stretch it tight.
When not to use
It is a neutral word, so it shouldn't be used if you specifically want to imply that something is becoming 'worse' (use exacerbate) or 'larger' (use expand).
Fun facts
- The word 'intense' was originally used in the 14th century to describe the 'stretching' of the mind during meditation.
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