strengthen
Americanverb
Other Word Forms
- overstrengthen verb
- prestrengthen verb (used with object)
- restrengthen verb
- strengthener noun
- strengtheningly adverb
- unstrengthened adjective
- unstrengthening adjective
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 oligopoly of Meta, Google and Amazon is expected to strengthen its dominance in the global digital-advertising market this year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
"Our study show that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy."
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
The ministry "calls for building upon this positive step by launching serious and sustainable dialogue tracks that address the root causes of the disputes and strengthen mutual trust," it said on X.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Iran will be looking to strengthen its position.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
Using a clear, clean, straight head voice rather than chest voice will help to avoid this, and will strengthen a child’s vocal musculature for a lifetime of excellent singing.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
