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

Other contributing factors are lower levels of wind shear, which can destabilize baby storms and halt them from strengthening; weaker trade winds, which blow east to west; and a stronger, wetter African Monsoon Season, which can spark more storm formation. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024

Others detailed how their connections strengthened and evolved over time. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 22 May 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