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

Software giant Salesforce is planning to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over the next five years to strengthen the city’s dominance in artificial intelligence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Animal rights advocates are urging the EU to both tighten border checks and strengthen its internal rules.

Read more on Barron's

Most significantly, advances in tracking solar activity could strengthen our ability to safeguard critical technologies, including navigation and communication satellites, aviation systems, and power grids on Earth.

Read more on Science Daily

The LGA also said it welcomed government plans to give new powers to councils to block gambling shops on high streets and strengthen their regulation and inspection powers.

Read more on BBC

The company said it would separate its orthopedics business to operate as DePuy Synthes to strengthen its focus on its core businesses.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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