intensify

Intensify is a verb meaning to increase in degree, strength, or magnitude, or to cause something to become more intense. The word derives from the Latin intensus, meaning stretched or severe, and is formed with the suffix -ify to indicate making or becoming. The related noun forms are intensification and intensity.

In everyday usage, intensify can describe changes in emotions, conditions, or actions. For example, heat or light can intensify, a conflict can intensify, and efforts can be intensified. The term often appears with adjectives such as stronger, deeper, or greater, and its participle forms include intensified and intensifying.

In science and engineering, intensification has specific applications. Process intensification refers to methods that increase the efficiency, safety, or sustainability of chemical, biochemical, or physical processes, often by reducing equipment size or energy use. In imaging and photography, increasing light or color power raises the image’s intensity, brightness, or saturation, affecting perceived contrast and vividness.

In medical and clinical contexts, intensification may describe heightened therapy or monitoring, such as the intensification of treatment regimens or care. In social or political contexts, campaigns may intensify their messaging or activities to achieve greater impact.

Related terms include intensity, intense, and intensification. Antonyms include abate, lessen, diminish, and weaken.