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Intensify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intensify

[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

increase intensity

To make something stronger or more intense. This can refer to emotions, actions, or other qualities.

Synonyms

amplify, escalate, heighten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intensify

Use when you want to describe something that is becoming more intense or stronger, often with emotional or physical pressure.

  • The weather forecast predicts that the storm will intensify overnight
  • Her emotions began to intensify as the deadline approached
heighten

Suitable for describing an increase in intensity, often related to awareness, excitement, or perception.

  • The recent events have only served to heighten her sense of urgency
  • The dramatic music helped to heighten the suspense of the movie
escalate

Used when describing a situation or conflict that is increasing in seriousness or intensity, generally carries a negative connotation.

  • The conflict between the two countries began to escalate quickly
  • Prices are expected to escalate due to increased demand
amplify

Appropriate for situations where you want to make something louder or more powerful, often used in connection with sound or signals, but can also refer to increasing the impact of something abstract.

  • The speakers were used to amplify the music at the concert
  • His comments served to amplify the tension in the room

Examples of usage

  • The storm is expected to intensify as it moves closer to the coast.
  • She decided to intensify her efforts to reach her goal.
Context #2 | Verb

make more severe

To make something more severe or extreme, often in a negative way.

Synonyms

aggravate, exacerbate, worsen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intensify

Often used to describe feelings, efforts, or various conditions getting stronger or more extreme. Neutral connotation and can be either positive or negative depending on the situation.

  • They decided to intensify their study efforts before the exam.
  • Fears about the pandemic continue to intensify.
exacerbate

Used when something that is already bad becomes even worse. Commonly used in formal contexts such as medical or social issues. Negative connotation.

  • Running in cold weather can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
  • Their refusal to cooperate can exacerbate the conflict.
aggravate

Often used when something bad is made worse, usually referring to situations, emotions, or medical conditions. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • Scratching the rash will only aggravate it.
  • His constant complaints aggravate the situation.
worsen

Used when something declines in quality or condition. Typically has a negative connotation.

  • The patient's condition began to worsen after the surgery.
  • Economic conditions are likely to worsen over the coming months.

Examples of usage

  • The government has promised to intensify their efforts to combat terrorism.
  • The conflict in the region continues to intensify.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, intensifying refers to increasing the concentration of a substance within a solution.
  • Intensification is also discussed in physics when describing increasing energy levels in a system.

Psychology

  • Emotional intensification is when feelings become stronger, often leading to heightened responses.
  • Therapeutic techniques may focus on intensifying emotions to help individuals process their experiences.

Pop Culture

  • The term is commonly used in music and film to describe building excitement or drama, such as the climax of a story.
  • In lifestyle trends, people often say to 'intensify' your workout or diet to achieve better results.

Origin of 'intensify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'intensificare', where 'intens' means 'to strengthen'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century and evolved in meaning over time.

The word 'intensify' originated from the Latin word 'intensificare', which means 'to increase'. The term has been in use in English since the 17th century, originally used in the context of making something stronger or more extreme. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings related to increasing intensity, severity, or magnitude.

See also: intensely, intensified, intensifier, intensity, intensively.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,002, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.