1 C1 informal
To make something more intense or more noticeable; an informal or non-standard intensified form of 'heighten'.
"The director used dramatic lighting to heighten up the tension in the final scene."
separable
heighten up
C1 informal separable transitive
To increase or intensify something; a redundant variant of 'heighten'.
In plain English
To make something stronger or more intense.
What does "heighten up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something physically taller/higher.
Actually means
To make something stronger or more intense.
Usage tip
Considered non-standard or redundant by most usage guides since 'up' adds no new meaning to 'heighten'. Occasionally heard in informal speech. Learners should prefer 'heighten' or 'increase'.
Words that pair with "heighten up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tension awareness security emotion contrast effect
How to conjugate "heighten up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
heighten up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
heightens up
he/she/it
Past simple
heightened up
yesterday
Past participle
heightened up
have + pp
-ing form
heightening up
continuous
Hear "heighten up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "heighten up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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