C1verbpsychologyemotions
US/ˈhaɪ.tən/
UK/ˈhaɪ.tən/
to make a feeling or effect stronger, or to become stronger
In context
Scary music heightens the tension in the final scene of the film.
The attack heightened fears about safety in the city's parks at night.
Caffeine may heighten feelings of anxiety in people who are already stressed.
Words that go with heighten
verb + noun
- heighten awarenessThe campaign aims to heighten awareness of breast cancer among young women.
- heighten tensionMilitary exercises near the border heightened tension between the two countries.
- heighten the riskSmoking during pregnancy heightens the risk of an early birth.
- heighten fearsRising prices have heightened fears of a recession.
adjective + noun
- heightened senseAfter the accident, she had a heightened sense of danger on the roads.
- heightened anxietyMany students report heightened anxiety during the exam season.