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

If passed, the act would strengthen the economic benefits of music festivals like Tennessee’s Bonarroo or California’s Stagecoach, as well as music venues from Madison Square Garden in New York City to Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. —Taylor Mims, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2024

The Legislature largely rolled back the tax cuts in 2017 and Kelly first won the election as governor in 2018 on promises to strengthen the state’s fiscal health. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2024

Solve daily puzzles, learn new words and help strengthen your mind with games. —Fox News, 29 Apr. 2024

Anecdotally, cold plunge enthusiasts claim the therapy has helped to strengthen their immune systems, lower stress, boost their mental clarity and improve their energy and mood. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Apr. 2024

Still, confidence in the global economy has strengthened this year, backed mainly by US growth and recent signs of a rebound in China. —Sagarika Jaisinghani, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2024

Guatemala’s new president, Bernardo Arévalo, is strengthening ties with the United States in a bid to respond to the fentanyl trade. —Simon Romero Daniele Volpe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2024

Borrell said the existing EU sanctions regime would be strengthened and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. —Nicole Winfield, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

The legislation also seeks to strengthen U.S. supply chains and national security. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Apr. 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