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

This habit of regular saving will strengthen your financial stability. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Oaks Christian’s Head of School Rob Black pledged that year to strengthen the school’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. —Ben Poston, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024

In the latest sign of their deepening alignment, Chinese and Russian defense officials vowed to strengthen their cooperation during meetings in Beijing last week. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024

Learn how to navigate and strengthen trust in your business and sign up for free. —Nick Rockel, Fortune, 18 Oct. 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