strengthen

[strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren-]

verb (used with object)

1. to make stronger; give strength to.

   Synonyms: support, fortify, reinforce, buttress

2. Phonetics.,  to change (a speech sound) to an articulation requiring more effort, as from fricative to stop or nongeminate to geminate.

verb (used without object)

1. to gain strength; grow stronger.

strengthen

/ ˈstrɛŋθən /

verb

1. to make or become stronger

Other Word Forms

• strengthener noun
• strengtheningly adverb
• overstrengthen verb
• prestrengthen verb (used with object)
• restrengthen verb
• unstrengthened adjective
• unstrengthening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strengthen¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen. See strength, -en ¹

Example Sentences

"We have cut the backlog in the system that identifies and supports survivors by 69%, expanding programmes to speed up decision making times for support and strengthening the police responses."

Read more on BBC

Standard Chartered has been investing $1.5 billion in wealth and digital offerings, client centers and marketing to strengthen its business of serving affluent and international clients.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The UK's current debate about how to prosecute spies, strengthen laws, and balance commerce with security should start from this historical truth: economic power can only be sustained with the resolute custody of secrets."

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A brigade of 101st Airborne Division has been deployed in Romania as part of a broader push by the U.S. to strengthen its military position on NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We continue to focus on unlocking the structural advantages of our vertically integrated model that strengthen our business and separate our customer offering.”

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• bolster 
• build up 
• enhance 
• enlarge 
• establish 
• extend 
• heighten 
• increase 
• intensify 
• invigorate 
• reinforce 
• restore 
• set up 
• step up 
• support 
• sustain 
• toughen