intensificar
“intensificar” means “to intensify” in Spanish (making something stronger or more forceful).
to intensify, to step up
Also: to increase, to heighten
📝 In Action
El equipo decidió intensificar los entrenamientos antes de la final.
B1The team decided to step up their training sessions before the final.
La lluvia se va a intensificar durante la noche.
B1The rain is going to intensify during the night.
Debemos intensificar nuestra búsqueda de soluciones.
B2We must heighten our search for solutions.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intensificar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I intensified' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'intensus' meaning 'tight or stretched,' combined with the suffix '-ficar' which means 'to make' or 'to do.' Literally, to make something more stretched or tight.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'intensificar' the same as 'aumentar'?
Mostly! 'Aumentar' usually refers to quantity (more items), while 'intensificar' refers to quality or strength (more power/effort).
Can I use it for emotions?
Yes, you can say 'su miedo se intensificó' (his fear intensified), though for people specifically 'getting' emotional, we often use other verbs.
Is this word formal?
It is neutral to slightly formal. You'll hear it in the news or at an office more than you'll hear it at a casual party.