What does redouble mean?
Redouble means to increase something substantially, usually by renewing or intensifying an effort. It often implies a fresh or twofold boost: an organization may redouble its efforts, a coach may redouble attention to a weak area, or a storm may redouble in violence. The word carries a formal, determined tone and is especially common in reports, journalism, and institutional language. Although it can describe a renewed increase in intensity, it is more frequently transitive, taking the thing being strengthened as its object. Because the word derives from the idea of doubling, it suggests more than a minor adjustment: something previously increased is being made considerably greater, stronger, or more forceful.
verbTo make something greater, stronger, or more intense, especially by an additional or twofold effort. It can also mean to become greater or more intense again.
- Make something greater, stronger, or more intense, especially by an additional or twofold effort.
- Become greater or more intense, especially after having already increased or intensified.
"The committee decided to redouble its efforts to complete the project on time."
"The organization redoubled its campaign after seeing an alarming decline in participation."
"As the storm intensified, the winds redoubled and the waves grew considerably higher."
To redouble is to give something a second helping of force: an effort doubled, a pressure intensified, or a warning made unmistakably stronger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redouble come from?
The English word comes from the French redoubler, literally “to double again,” formed from re- and doubler. Its ultimate roots lie in Latin, where duplare meant “to double” and duplex meant “double.” English borrowed the word in the early 16th century and initially used it for making something twice as great or for reinforcing a military position.
Related word forms
How redouble is actually used
The word is formal and often suggests a deliberate increase in effort, pressure, or intensity. It is commonly used with “efforts,” “attention,” “pressure,” and similar terms.