strength

strength

noun \ˈstreŋ(k)th, ˈstren(t)th\

plural strengths \ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks\

Definition of STRENGTH

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: power to resist force : solidity, toughness

3

: power of resisting attack : impregnability

4

a : legal, logical, or moral force

b : a strong attribute or inherent asset <the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident>

5

a : degree of potency of effect or of concentration <chili peppers in varying strengths>

b : intensity of light, color, sound, or odor

c : vigor of expression

6

: force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization <an army at full strength>

7

: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : support <you are my love and my strength>

8

: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices <the strength of the dollar>

9

: basis —used in the phrase on the strength of

— from strength to strength

: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next

Examples of STRENGTH

1. I was impressed by his strength.
2. She's doing exercises to build up the strength in her legs.
3. Don't work too hard. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow.
4. Pull-ups increase upper body strength.
5. Working on a farm requires a lot of physical strength.
6. the strength and durability of the material
7. I pray that I'll have the strength to do what I have to do.
8. His determination shows real strength of character.
9. Her inner strength is an inspiration to us all.

Origin of STRENGTH

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STRENGTH

Synonyms

energy, firepower, force, horsepower, might, muscle, potence, potency, puissance, sinew, power, vigor

Antonyms

impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

Related Words

aptitude, capability, capacity, competence, competency; adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, usefulness

Near Antonyms

disability, inability, inaptitude, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency; ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness; helplessness, paralysis

See Synonym Discussion at power

strength

noun \ˈstreŋ(k)th, ˈstren(t)th\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; strengths \ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of STRENGTH

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: degree of potency of effect or of concentration

3

: degree of ionization of a solution—used of acids and bases