WordWeb Online

1. The act of giving special importance or significance to something
   - accenting, accentuation, emphasising [Brit]

1. Single out as important; draw attention to (something)
   "Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet";
   - stress, emphasise [Brit], punctuate, accent, accentuate
    
2. Give extra weight to (a communication)
   "Her gesture emphasized her words";
   - underscore, underline, emphasise [Brit]

See also: foreground, highlight, play up, spotlight

Type of: action, evince [formal], express, show

Encyclopedia: Emphasize