strained; tightly drawn; kept on the stretch; strict; very close or earnest; as, intense study or application; intense thought.-extreme in degree; excessive; immoderate; as: (a) ardent; fervent; as, intense heat. (b) keen; biting; as, intense cold. (c) vehement; earnest; exceedingly strong; as, intense passion or hate. (d) very severe; violent; as, intense pain or anguish. (e) deep; strong; brilliant; as, intense color or light.