intensification

Intensification is the act or process of increasing the intensity, concentration, magnitude, or degree of something. The term is used across disciplines to describe a shift toward greater effort, density, or activity in a system, often involving higher inputs, tighter control, or closer coupling of processes.

In linguistics, intensification refers to mechanisms that heighten the perceived strength of a property or evaluation. This commonly involves degree modifiers such as very or extremely, and can include adverbs, amplifying constructions, or phonological emphasis. Intensification interacts with gradability and context, and its usage can vary across languages and registers.

In agriculture, intensification denotes increasing output per unit area through technology, inputs, and management practices, such as high-yield crop varieties, irrigation, and mechanization. While it can raise productivity and food security, it also raises concerns about environmental sustainability, resource use, and social equity.

In urban planning and development, intensification refers to increasing land-use density or economic activity in a given area, often through infill development, higher-density housing, or transit-oriented strategies. It aims to improve efficiency of infrastructure and services but can face challenges related to housing affordability, congestion, and environmental impact. In chemistry and industrial engineering, process intensification describes approaches to make chemical processes safer, smaller, faster, or more energy-efficient, for example through novel reactors, continuous-flow technologies, and reductions in solvent, energy, or waste.