strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

ˈstren(t)-

strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ 

ˈstren(t)th-;

ˈstreŋ(k)-thə-,

ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger

intransitive verb

: to become stronger

strengthener

ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər 

ˈstren(t)th-;

ˈstreŋ(k)-thə-

ˈstren(t)-

noun

Synonyms

• beef (up)
• fortify
• harden
• toughen

Examples of strengthen in a Sentence

These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles.

He takes herbs to strengthen his immune system.

The development of new electronic products has strengthened the company's position as the leader in digital technology.

Holidays often serve to strengthen bonds between family members.

Their financial situation strengthened her determination to find a new career.

The team has been strengthened by the addition of several new players.

The winds are expected to strengthen.

The economy is slowly strengthening.

The Canadian dollar is strengthening against the U.S. dollar.

The trade restrictions will strengthen the pound.

Recent Examples on the Web

Farmers were immediately reimbursed for the value of animals that needed to be culled to stop disease spread, strengthening trust of the government in the farming community. —Dr. Tom Frieden, CNN, 18 June 2024

Bruno said this is exciting not only for the local community to see but also has proven to strengthen relationships with clients. —Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 18 June 2024

Creating a dedicated platform with enhanced storytelling, original content and robust media coverage can strengthen these bonds. —Mark Floreani, Sportico.com, 18 June 2024

If the Gulf system does strengthen into a tropical storm, it would be named Alberto. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən 

strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become stronger

strengthener

-(ə-)nər 

noun