intensify

[in-ten-suh-fahy] /ɪnˈtɛn səˌfaɪ/

verb (used with object), intensified, intensifying.

to make intense or more intense.

to make more acute; strengthen or sharpen.

Photography. to increase the density and contrast of (a negative) chemically.

verb (used without object), intensified, intensifying.

to become intense or more intense.

Origin

1810-20; intense + -ify

Related forms

intensification, noun

de-intensify, verb, de-intensified, de-intensifying.

overintensification, noun

overintensify, verb, overintensified, overintensifying.

self-intensified, adjective

self-intensifying, adjective

unintensified, adjective

Can be confused

aggravate, annoy, intensify, irritate, worsen (see synonym study at aggravate)

aggravation, annoyance, intensification, irritation, worsening.

Synonyms

1, 2. deepen, quicken, concentrate. See aggravate.

Antonyms

1. alleviate, weaken.

Examples from the web for intensification

It does not take into account the human need for intensification of life, which the good home so often fails to provide.
In that it avoids deforestation, intensification is one of a number of adaptation strategies which also help mitigation.
Wilma has astonished meteorologists with its rapid intensification.
Its stems from the increase in population and the intensification of agricultural cultivation in the region.
But they also predict intensification of the ones that do form, albeit with limited confidence.
But they found little to no correlation between these oscillations and the shift and intensification of the high.
Instead of raining out the storm it might cause intensification due to increased temperature gradient.
The decision to produce so much food from the land drives the need for the unsustainable intensification of farming.
The intensification of the difference between rounded and unrounded e and o.

British Dictionary definitions for intensification

intensify

/ɪnˈtɛnsɪˌfaɪ/

verb -fies, -fying, -fied

to make or become intense or more intense

(transitive) to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate)

Derived Forms

intensification, noun

Word Origin and History for intensification

1847, noun of action from intensify.

intensify

1817, from intense + -ify, first attested in Coleridge, in place of intend, which he said no longer was felt as connected with intense. Middle English used intensen (v.) "to increase (something), strengthen, intensify," early 15c. Related: Intensified; intensifying.