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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Spelling Practice, Unit 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
While the large sample size and long follow-up strengthen the findings, the researchers note that unmeasured factors could still play a role.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
Nexstar said it plans to appeal, arguing the merger would strengthen local stations and support investment in journalism.
From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026
One of California’s first moves was to put a moratorium on issuing new hospice licenses to give officials time to strengthen oversight.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
I can see this being another tight game, but Aston Villa are at home and they really need a win to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
To be loved, baby, hard, at once, and forever, to strengthen you against the loveless world.
From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin
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.
