strengthen

verb

strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)-
strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-niŋ How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)th-;
ˈstreŋ(k)-thə-,
ˈstren(t)-

transitive verb

: to make stronger

intransitive verb

: to become stronger
strengthener
ˈstreŋ(k)th-nər How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
ˈstren(t)th-;
ˈstreŋ(k)-thə-
ˈstren(t)-
noun

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 The emphasis on self-reliance in science and technology comes after the United States tightened control over the export of cutting-edge technologies to China, especially in the field of AI, which Washington said could be used to strengthen the Chinese military. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 One easy way to identify and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles? Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024 And that somebody could use the victory over WSU as propellant to climb into the NCAA Tournament, either by strengthening its at-large resume or by winning the Pac-12 title and claiming the league’s automatic bid. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 The company also agreed to strengthen its compliance program and to enhance compliance program reporting requirements. Lori Aratani, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 As Mercury and Neptune align, empathic conversations strengthen ties with a partner. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 Based in Beijing and reporting to Arica Ng, president of Asia Pacific, Li will be responsible for leading all of WCM’s operations in China, while also collaborating with other teams across Asia to strengthen the Warner brand in the region. Marc Schneider, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 Such reforms would also likely strengthen the country in the eyes of potential investors. Zenger News, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In October, Ajay Goel, the CFO Byju’s had hired in April to strengthen its financial operations, resigned and returned to his former employer. Pallavi Pundir, Fortune Asia, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strengthen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of strengthen was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near strengthen

Cite this Entry

“Strengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strengthen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

strengthen

verb
strength·​en ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
strengthened; strengthening ˈstreŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce strengthen (audio)
: to make or become stronger
strengthener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on strengthen

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