definitions

strengthen

[ strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren- ]
/ ˈstrɛŋk θən, ˈstrɛŋ-, ˈstrɛn- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR strengthen ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make stronger; give strength to.
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)

to gain strength; grow stronger.

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RELATED WORDS

bolster, restore, extend, invigorate, establish, support, enlarge, increase, reinforce, sustain, heighten, enhance, toughen, intensify, consolidate, uphold, tone, buttress, rejuvenate, ascend

Nearby words

strega, streicher, streisand, strelitzia, strength, strengthen, strengthless, strenuous, strep, strep throat, strephosymbolia

Origin of strengthen

First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen. See strength, -en1

Related forms

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for strengthen

British Dictionary definitions for strengthen

strengthen

/ (ˈstrɛŋθən) /

verb

to make or become stronger

Derived Forms

strengthener, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012