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.
Xi pushed to strengthen diplomatic, law enforcement and military ties, according to Beijing's state media.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
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
“We are working to identify the cause and strengthen safeguards to prevent this from happening again.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
A new legislative proposal would create a bipartisan commission to strengthen the finances of Social Security and Medicare at a time when the programs are under pressure.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Something had to be done to strengthen the Soviet position.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
