strengthen
Americanverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of strengthen
First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen. See strength, -en 1
Explanation
To strengthen is to make something stronger! Rarr. You can strengthen your muscles by working out, or strengthen your brain by learning new words. Anytime you strengthen something, you're making it more resistant, vigorous, or tough. Taking vitamins can strengthen your immune system so you don't get sick. Lifting weights will strengthen your muscles. A powerful lock will strengthen a door. On computers, a reliable firewall will strengthen your virus protection. If something is weak, it needs to be strengthened. Congrats! You just strengthened your vocabulary by checking out this definition!
Vocabulary lists containing strengthen
President Obama's second inaugural address
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Spelling Practice, Unit 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The State Department said it is using "commonsense tools to support American families and strengthen compliance" with US laws in an approach it said would enforce parents' "legal and moral obligations to their children".
From BBC • May 7, 2026
The move may also strengthen SpaceX’s case for putting data centers into orbit ahead of an initial public offering.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
Bank Indonesia Gov. Perry Warjiyo vowed that the central bank will intensify intervention in onshore and offshore foreign-exchange markets, adding that the rupiah is “undervalued and should strengthen moving forward.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
That, in turn, could bring jobs, strengthen the tax base, and improve quality of life.
From Science Daily • May 6, 2026
He wore weighted shoes to strengthen his wasted leg muscles.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
