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 In the center of Lyon, where the Rhone meets the Saone, the current strengthened. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 We’re determined as ever to defend and strengthen the Affordable Care Act – and to make health care a right – not a privilege in America. Ken Tran, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024 My parents also have locs, so the love and empowerment through my hair started and was strengthened at home. Debra Edwards, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 The ban is the first legal constraint on a deadly substance since 2016, when Congress updated and strengthened the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act by requiring testing and regulation of thousands of chemicals used in everyday products. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 But the war has also opened new avenues for Russia, which has sought to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones. Christian Edwards, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 Now the United States must invest in the WHO, strengthen its ability to respond quickly to pandemics, and work with it to negotiate an international pandemic treaty that prioritizes the lives of poor and working people around the world—not Big Pharma’s profits. Bernie Sanders, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 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

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 28 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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