intensifier

intensifier [in-ten-suh-fahy-er] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. a person or thing that intensifies.
2. Grammar. a word, especially an adverb, or other linguistic element that indicates, and usually increases, the degree of emphasis or force to be given to the element it modifies, as very or somewhat; intensive adverb.
3. a ram-operated device for increasing hydraulic pressure.

Origin of intensifier First recorded in 1825–35; intensify + -er1 Examples from the Web for intensifier Historical Examples of intensifier

Not only is the current a messenger, but it is also an intensifier of magical power.

Fragments of science, V. 1-2

John Tyndall

Avoid, in writing, the use of so as an intensifier: “so good;” “so warm;” “so delightful.”

The Elements of Style

William Strunk

The apparatus known as an intensifier was then used, by which any pressure required could be obtained.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 648, June 2, 1888.

Various

As Felix put it, he was “very dead,” though the word hardly admits of an intensifier.

Four Young Explorers

Oliver Optic

The foregoing uranium bath acts as an intensifier while conferring a ruddy tone on the deposit.

The Barnet Book of Photography

Various

British Dictionary definitions for intensifier intensifier noun

1. a person or thing that intensifies
2. a word, esp an adjective or adverb, that has little semantic content of its own but that serves to intensify the meaning of the word or phrase that it modifies: awfully and up are intensifiers in the phrases awfully sorry and cluttered up
3. a substance, esp one containing silver or uranium, used to increase the density of a photographic film or plateCompare reducer (def. 1)