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

This link strengthens the case that two separate species of early human ancestors were living in the same region at the same time.

Read more on Science Daily

Monitor policy: Beijing’s push into elderly care, insurance, smart health and household services is only going to strengthen.

Read more on Barron's

On Thursday, the business department said it was still committed to doing this, as a means to "further strengthen" the new protections.

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Scott Kozar, a strategist for the committee, said the group is “focused on supporting policies that strengthen California’s future” and would comply with disclosure laws, but declined to answer further questions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Years later, Daisy had her first child – with Georgia as her midwife - and becoming a mum herself strengthened her conviction to fulfil her promise.

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Related Words

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