strengthen
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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strengthenernoun
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restrengthenverb
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unstrengthenedadjective
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overstrengthenverb
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unstrengtheningadjective
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prestrengthenverb (used with object)
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strengtheninglyadverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have strengthenedperfect
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has strengthenedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been strengtheningperfect progressive
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strengthenssingular 3rd person
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strengtheningparticiple
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is strengtheningprogressive 3rd person singular
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are strengtheningprogressive
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has been strengtheningperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am strengtheningprogressive 1st person singular
Past
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had strengthenedperfect
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had been strengtheningperfect progressive
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was strengtheningprogressive singular
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were strengtheningprogressive plural
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strengthenedsimple
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strengthenedparticiple
Future
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 latest findings strengthen the idea that ancient people, not natural forces, were responsible for moving the enormous stone across challenging terrain.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
GSK said the acquisition is expected to contribute to revenue growth from 2027 and strengthen its core operating profit, helping offset the loss of patent protection for HIV drug dolutegravir over 2028-30.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
“We are working to identify the cause and strengthen safeguards to prevent this from happening again.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Chief Executive Carlo Messina called it a "risk-free" move during a conference call with journalists, saying it "will strengthen our leading position in Italy, particularly in its wealthiest regions" such as Lombardy and Tuscany.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Closer, in fact, to him than to his own father, for Macon had no imperfection and age seemed to strengthen him.
From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison
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.
