heightens

Makes more intense

Heightens is the third-person singular of heighten, meaning to increase or intensify.

Emotions, tensions, and awareness are commonly heightened: The music heightens the suspense.

Security may be heightened in response to threats.

The word suggests amplification of something already present rather than creation of something new.

intensify

amplifies

Increases strength or volume

enhancesIncreases quality or appeal
increasesBecomes greater in amount
magnifiesIncreases perceived size

deepens · strengthens · sharpens · accentuates · boosts · augments · reinforces · compounds · enriches · concentrates

escalate

aggravates

Makes more severe

worsensBecomes less favorable
exacerbatesMakes more severe
inflamesArouses intense emotion

provokes · accelerates · increases · amplifies · fuels · fans · stokes · triggers · sparks · incites

awareness

alerts

Warning notifications

sensitizesMakes responsive to stimuli
attunesAligns with surroundings
sharpensMakes cutting edge keener

focuses · clarifies · illuminates · reveals · exposes · awakens · opens · perception · consciousness · mindfulness

elevate

raises

Lifts or increases

liftsRaises or carries upward
upliftsRaises emotionally or physically
elevatesRaises in position

exalts · ennobles · dignifies · glorifies · transcends · inspires · stirs · rouses · moves · touches

Opposites

intensity/degree

heightenslessens

Makes smaller in degree

diminishes · reduces · dampens · dulls · decreases

physical elevation

heightenslowers

Decreases or brings down

drops · brings down · sinks · descends

Phrases

heightened alert
heightened sensitivityIntensified perceptual or emotional response

Family

heighten, heightened, heightening

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G