strengthen

American  

[strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren-] / ˈstrɛŋk θən, ˈstrɛŋ-, ˈstrɛn- /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to gain strength; grow stronger.

strengthen British  

/ ˈstrɛŋθən /

verb

1. to make or become stronger

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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

Example Sentences

She also said major changes had been made including strengthening clinical leadership and bringing in specialist surgeons.

From BBC

The government has run a consultation on leaseholder service charges and is looking at strengthening residents' rights.

From BBC

But there is a view that these headlines strengthen the case for cybersecurity shares.

From Barron's

If that happens, it will strengthen the case for central banks to hike interest rates—and higher borrowing costs tend to weigh on growth stocks.

From Barron's

The ancient method of disputation—arguing both sides of a question, steel-manning the opposition—is one of the oldest cognitive strengthening exercises we know.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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