intensify
UK: ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ | US: ɪnˈtɛnsəˌfaɪ
vt. to make or become more intense
vi. to increase in degree or strength
intensify = intense<extreme> + ify<to make>
- intense (from Latin intensus, "stretched tight, strained," from intendere "to stretch, strain")
- ify (verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make or cause to become")
Etymology Origin:
The word "intensify" emerged in the early 19th century, combining "intense" (already in use since the 15th century to describe extreme states) with the suffix "-ify," which turns adjectives into verbs meaning "to make [adjective]." The logic is straightforward: "to make intense." This follows a common pattern in English where Latin-derived suffixes like "-ify" are attached to roots to create causative verbs (e.g., "simplify," "purify").
The storm is expected to intensify overnight.
She used spices to intensify the flavor of the dish.
The protests intensified after the government's announcement.
His absence only intensified her loneliness.
The artist darkened the colors to intensify the painting's mood.