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Definition of heighten

heighten

/ˈhaɪ.tən/
heigh · ten
Adjective:heightened
•
Past Simple:heightened
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Past Participle:heightened
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Present Participle:heightening
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heighten Lexical Profile

heighten Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become more intense, acute, or pronounced (especially of an emotion, sensation, or effect).

Example

"The sudden drop in temperature only served to heighten the hikers' sense of urgency."

2

To make something physically higher in position or elevation.

Example

"The city council voted to heighten the floodwalls along the riverbank before the rainy season."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for heighten

• Nearby Words

heh
heifer
height
heighten
heilong
heinie
heinous

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 16th century from the noun 'height' (from Old English 'hiehþu') plus the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heighten. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heighten
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