Dictionary

heighten

verb height·en \ˈhī-tən\

: to increase the amount, degree, or extent of (something)

height·enedheight·en·ing \ˈhīt-niŋ, ˈhī-tən-iŋ\

Full Definition of HEIGHTEN

transitive verb
1
a :  to increase the amount or degree of :  augment
b :  to make brighter or more intense :  deepen
c :  to bring out more strongly :  point up
d :  to make more acute :  sharpen
2
a :  to raise high or higher :  elevate
b :  to raise above the ordinary or trite
3
obsolete :  elate
intransitive verb
1
archaic :  grow, rise
2
a :  to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent
b :  to become brighter or more intense
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First Known Use of HEIGHTEN

1523
HEIGHTENING Defined for Kids

heighten

verb height·en \ˈhī-tən\
height·enedheight·en·ing

Definition of HEIGHTEN for Kids

:  to make greater :  increase <The film heightened their interest in Alaska.>

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