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

The system is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday and make landfall on Thursday, according to the hurricane center. —Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Ethical research practices can strengthen collaboration and empower communities, paving the way for a more equitable healthcare future. —Avik Pal, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Iran, itself a pariah on the international stage, will strengthen the anti-Western camp. —Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2024

In response, Intuit appealed the FTC’s ruling to the 5th Circuit and asserted that Loper Bright had strengthened its argument for jettisoning the decision. —Eli Sanders, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 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