heigh
ten
Third Person
heightens
Present Participle
heightening
Past Tense
heightened
Past Participle
heightened
1
to increase the quantity, intensity, or degree of something
transitive
- Recent events have heightened concerns about cybersecurity.
- The unexpected news heightened tensions among the team members.
- The unexpected price hike heightened concerns among consumers.
- The heated argument was continuously heightening tensions within the group.
- Recent technological advancements have heightened our dependence on digital devices.
2
to raise something above its current position
transitive
- To improve the view, the city decided to heighten the observation deck on the skyscraper.
- In order to meet safety standards, the dam was heightened to better withstand potential flooding.
- The artist used a pedestal to heighten the sculpture, ensuring that it was visible and impactful in the gallery space.
3
to increase in intensity, magnitude, or extent
- Tensions between the two countries heightened after the diplomatic incident.
- With each passing moment, the suspense in the room heightened as the announcement drew nearer.
- Concerns about climate change have heightened in recent years due to the visible effects on the environment.
- The political unrest in the region heightened as protests escalated into violence.
- The fear of a recession heightened as stock prices plummeted.
4
to become more severe
- The suspense in the movie heightened as the protagonist approached the mysterious door.
- The argument between the two friends heightened when they couldn't agree on a solution.
- Tensions between the two countries continued to heighten despite diplomatic efforts.
- Concerns over the pandemic's impact on the economy have heightened in recent weeks.
- As the storm approached, fears among residents heightened with each passing hour.
Synonyms:
5
to enhance or sharpen one's sensory perceptions, such as sight, hearing, taste, touch, or smell
transitive
- Meditation techniques can heighten awareness and sharpen focus.
- Eating spicy food can heighten the sensitivity of taste buds.
- The darkness of the night seemed to heighten her sense of touch as she navigated through the room.
- Spending time in nature can heighten one's appreciation for the beauty of the world.
- Certain medications can heighten the sense of touch, making the skin more sensitive to stimuli.
Synonyms: