Definitions

1. verb

to make or become greater or more intense; to increase or raise something, especially an emotion or a sense of something

“Her anxiety was heightened by the news.”

2. verb (archaic)

to raise or lift up

“He will heighten the sail to catch the wind.”

3. noun

the act of making or becoming greater or more intense; an increase or rise in something, especially an emotion or a sense of something

“The heightening of tensions between the two nations has caused concern.”