WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
en•hance /ɛnˈhæns/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object], -hanced, -hanc•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- to increase the value, attractiveness, or quality of;
improve:A fine wine will enhance a delicious meal.
en•hance
(en hans′, -häns′),USA pronunciation v.t., -hanced, -hanc•ing.
en•hance′ment, n.
en•hanc′ive, adj.
- to raise to a higher degree;
intensify;
magnify:The candelight enhanced her beauty. - to raise the value or price of:Rarity enhances the worth of old coins.
- Gmc; see haughty), though -n- is unexplained
- Vulgar Latin *altiāre (derivative of Latin altus high, with h-
- Anglo-French enhauncer, apparently for Old French enhaucer, equivalent. to en- en-1 + haucer to raise (French hausser)
- Middle English enhauncen 1325–75
en•hanc′ive, adj.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged See elevate.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged diminish.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged reduce.
'enhancement' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):