intensify
UK[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ]US[ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ]
v
to become greater, more serious, or more intense, or to make something do this
v
to make a color, feeling, etc. stronger or more extreme
Morpheme Breakdown
in
tens
ify
in
towards, very
tens
stretched, tight
ify
to make, to cause to be
Etymology
the word 'intensify' is a modern english formation from the 19th century, built upon the existing adjective 'intense'. it combines the latin-derived prefix 'in-', used here as an intensifier, with the root 'tens', which originates from the latin past participle 'tensus' of 'tendere' (to stretch). the literal sense of 'stretched tight' evolved metaphorically to denote high degree or strength. the suffix '-ify', from latin '-ificare' via old french, is a productive verb-forming element meaning 'to make'. thus, the etymological logic of 'intensify' is transparently 'to make very stretched or tight', which evolved into its modern abstract meaning of making something stronger or more extreme.
Analysis
Structure: in + tens + ify
in- (latin, intensive prefix meaning 'towards, very'); tens (latin, from 'tensus', meaning 'stretched, tight'); -ify (latin via french, verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to cause to be')
Examples
the fighting in the region has intensified in the last week.
we need to intensify our efforts to find a solution.
the use of lighting can intensify the dramatic effect of the scene.