intensified
UK[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪd]US[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪd]
v
became or made more intense, stronger, or more extreme.
v
(past tense and past participle of intensify) increased in degree or strength.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
tens
ified
in
towards
tens
stretch
ified
made, past participle suffix
Etymology
the word 'intensified' originates from the latin verb intendere, meaning "to stretch out, strain, or direct one's attention towards". this verb is composed of in- (towards) and tendere (to stretch). the concept of "stretching towards" evolved metaphorically to imply increasing effort, focus, or degree. entering english via medieval latin intensificare (to make intense), the modern form 'intensified' literally carries the sense of "having been made more stretched or taut", which logically extends to its abstract meaning of being made stronger or more extreme.
Analysis
Structure: in (towards) + tens (stretch) + ified (made, past participle suffix)
- in: latin prefix meaning "in, into, towards".
- tens: from latin root tendere (to stretch), present in the english spelling as 'tens'.
- ified: a compound suffix from latin -ificare (to make), via old french -ifier, appearing in english as the past participle form '-ified' meaning "made".
Examples
the conflict intensified after the failed peace talks.
the colors of the sunset intensified as the clouds cleared.
she intensified her training regimen in preparation for the marathon.