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

Borrell said the existing EU sanctions regime would be strengthened and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. —Nicole Winfield, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

The legislation also seeks to strengthen U.S. supply chains and national security. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Apr. 2024

Additionally, access to primary care should be strengthen and there should be an investment in social services for underserved communities. —Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 18 Apr. 2024

The Federal Highway Administration funding is part of a $58.9 million allocation in grants supporting six projects in California designed to strengthen roads against the worsening effects of climate change. —Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024

First, Japan will need to strengthen its alliance with the United States and other major allies. —Tomohiko Taniguchi, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024

The initiative is funded by the CHIPS Act, which a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed in 2022 to strengthen the domestic supply of semiconductors, the vital components that power everything from phones and computers to cars and weapons systems. —Don Clark, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Tips for Training Fast-Twitch Muscle Fibers Giordano and Dr. Sternlicht recommended sprinting and powerlifting, or resistance training with max repetition and weight, to strengthen and build fast-twitch muscle fibers. —Tiffany Ayuda, Health, 13 Apr. 2024

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