Words / B1

HYTN/ˈhaɪtn/

To heighten is to make a feeling or risk stronger: heighten tension; heighten awareness. Increase is wider; intensify is a close twin. Height is the related noun for physical tallness. Do not write “heighten the building” for add a floor — that is raise or extend. Night closures heightened tension.

Meaning

To make a feeling or risk stronger or more intense.

Examples

• “Night-time closures heightened tension on the high street.”
• “The campaign heightened awareness of cervical screening.”

Good to know

heighten tension / risk / awareness. Close: intensify. Wider: increase. Mix-up: height (tallness). Not “heighten a wall”. Local news.

Near in meaning

intensify

New