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

Winds will strengthen again Saturday with gusts up to 30 mph, the weather service says. —Taylor Ward, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024

Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business and sign up for free. —Nick Rockel, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024

Still, Rice is happy to join the center’s roaster of artists who are looking to strengthen impact of the Vine Street art community. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2024

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three bills into law aimed at strengthening the country's beleaguered forces, which are trying to hold the front lines in fighting that has sapped Ukraine's ranks and stores of weapons and ammunition. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 4 Apr. 2024

And after every pitch, strikeout or not, her defense serenaded and strengthened Dixon with cheers. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024

Increase Mental Function Silencil contains nutrients that are designed to strengthen your brain’s neural network. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

While two-thirds of the nation favor abolishing the Electoral College, Nebraska Republicans are looking to strengthen it, as an effort to undo the state's uniquely representative electoral vote system picks up traction ahead of the 2024 election. —Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

In the center of Lyon, where the Rhone meets the Saone, the current strengthened. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 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