The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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intensify

verb

/ɪnˈtɛn səˌfaɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of intensify

To increase in degree, strength, or intensity.
"As the deadline drew nearer, my anxiety began to intensify."

Detailed meaning of intensify

It refers to the act of making something more pronounced, heightened, or stronger. When something intensifies, it becomes more powerful, severe, or extreme. This can apply to various aspects, such as emotions, sensations, actions, or conditions. 'Intensify' often implies a progression or escalation, where a certain quality, effect, or phenomenon becomes more prominent or noticeable. It can involve the amplification of a feeling or experience, the strengthening of a force or effect, or the deepening of a situation or condition. 'Intensify' can be used to describe both positive and negative developments, as it represents an increase or augmentation of a particular aspect or characteristic. Overall, 'intensify' encompasses the concept of enhancing, heightening, or strengthening something, resulting in a more pronounced or impactful state or occurrence.

Example sentences containing intensify

1. The roar of the crowd began to intensify as the home team scored the winning goal.
2. As the hurricane approached the shore, the winds started to intensify.
3. The politician’s campaign efforts will need to intensify if she hopes to win the election.
4. The CEO announced that the company would intensify its focus on sustainable practices.
5. When she added spices to the sauce, it helped to intensify the flavor.
6. The detective decided to intensify his investigation after finding new evidence.

History and etymology of intensify

The verb 'intensify' is formed from the adjective 'intense' with the addition of the suffix '-ify,' which is derived from the Latin '-ificare,' meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to become.' The root of 'intense' itself comes from the Latin word 'intensus,' which is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'in,' and 'tensus,' the past participle of 'tendere,' meaning 'to stretch' or 'to extend.' Therefore, etymologically, 'intensify' signifies the action of making something stretch or extend further in terms of degree, strength, or intensity. It conveys the idea of increasing the force, severity, or concentration of a particular quality, activity, or experience, amplifying its impact or effect.

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Further usage examples of intensify

1. As they climbed higher up the mountain, the cold began to intensify.
2. The coach urged the team to intensify their training in preparation for the championship.
3. The spotlights on the stage began to intensify, making it hard to see the audience.
4. The government plans to intensify its efforts in combating cybercrime.
5. As the music reached its climax, the emotions in the room seemed to intensify.
6. The rain is expected to intensify later in the evening.
7. His determination to succeed continued to intensify.
8. The competition between the teams will intensify.
9. As the day progressed, the sun's heat began to intensify.
10. The conflict in the region started to intensify again.
11. The spice in the dish began to intensify, making it hot.
12. The music's tempo started to intensify, energizing the crowd.
13. Pressure on the team will intensify during the playoffs.
14. Their love seemed to intensify with each passing moment.
15. The need for a solution to the problem grew more intense.
16. The tension in the room began to intensify during the debate.
17. The scent of flowers began to intensify in the garden.
18. The rivalry between the teams is about to intensify.
19. The pain in his back started to intensify, causing discomfort.
20. The colors of the sunset began to intensify, creating beauty.
21. Efforts to address the issue will intensify in the future.
22. The storm's intensity is expected to intensify overnight.
23. The campaign to combat pollution will intensify this year.
24. The emotions in the room began to intensify with the news.
25. The teacher's enthusiasm served to intensify their interest.