From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishintensein‧tense /ɪnˈtens/ ●●○ W3 AWL adjective 1 STRONG FEELING OR BELIEFhaving a very strong effect or felt very strongly Young people today are under intense pressure to succeed. the intense heat of the desert The pain was so intense I couldn’t sleep. He took an intense interest in all religious matters. a look of intense dislike2 LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTintense activity is very serious, uses a lot of effort, and often involves doing a great deal in a very short time The job demands intense concentration. At least 3,000 people were killed in a week of intense fighting.3 STRONG FEELING OR BELIEFsomeone who is intense is serious and has very strong feelings or opinions – used to show disapproval She’s a little too intense for me. —intensely adverb He disliked Kate intensely.COLLOCATIONSnounsintense pressureThe prime minister is under intense pressure to call a general election.intense competitionThere is intense competition for places on the course.intense heatHe could feel the intense heat of the Egyptian sun.intense coldHe was shivering with intense cold.intense painShe felt an intense pain in her right shoulder.intense pleasureAnne read the letter with intense pleasure.an intense desireFred felt an intense desire to punch Max in the face.an intense interest in somethingThe police are aware of the intense interest in the case.intense dislikeHe had taken an intense dislike to Robert.intense activityThe opening of the restaurant was preceded by a period of intense activity.intense debateAbortion has become the subject of intense debate.intense negotiationsThe hostages were freed after intense negotiations.intense scrutiny (=being examined very carefully)The mining industry is coming under intense scrutiny over its environmental record.intense speculation (=a lot of guessing about what may have happened)After weeks of intense speculation, the actress announced that she was pregnant.intense oppositionLocals have voiced intense opposition to plans to expand the airport.intense feelings/emotionHer lips trembled with intense emotion.
Examples from the Corpus
intense• As we waited for the winner to be announced, the excitement was intense.• Every car was stopped and searched, which caused intense annoyance to the drivers.• an intense conversation• Very intense exercise may actually be bad for you.• He's a little too intense for me.• It would give me intense pleasure to beat him at tennis.• Some of these young people are under intense pressure to succeed.Origin intense (1400-1500) French Latin intensus, a past participle of intendere; → INTEND 