heighten
USHY-tuhn/ˈhaɪ̯.tən/
Formsheightens, heightening, heightened
- 1To increase something or make it stronger, larger, or more intense.
Like adding spice to a dish so every flavor comes through more boldly.
The dramatic lighting heightened the tension during the final scene.
Good seasoning can heighten the natural flavors of fresh vegetables.
- 2To make something higher, or to raise it to a greater height.
Like raising a flagpole so it stands taller above the crowd.
Engineers heightened the levee after the flood exposed its weaknesses.
The architects chose to heighten the ceiling to create a sense of grandeur.
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Origin
From Middle English heightenen (also hyghtenen), formed from "height" and the verbal suffix "-en".