heighten
increase intensity / make taller / enhance color
Transitive Verb
past: heightenedpp: heighteneding: heightening
This verb describes an upward movement, whether literal or figurative. When applied to emotions or tensions, it suggests a gradual escalation that increases the overall impact or pressure of a situation, often creating a sense of urgency or drama. In visual or physical contexts, it refers to adding verticality or intensity. It is frequently used in artistic or architectural settings to describe the enhancement of a feature to make it more prominent or striking.
Meanings
Transitive Verb
[~ something]
To increase the intensity, strength, or degree of a feeling, quality, or state.
"The music was designed to heighten the suspense of the movie scene."
Transitive Verb
[~ something]
To make something physically taller or higher.
"They decided to heighten the garden wall to ensure more privacy from the neighbors."