strengthen
[strengk-thuh n, streng-, stren-]
- to make stronger; give strength to.
- 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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- to gain strength; grow stronger.
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Origin of strengthen
Synonyms
See more synonyms for strengthen on Thesaurus.com1. buttress, reinforce, fortify, support.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for strengthened
Contemporary Examples
“The institution of marraige [sic] is under attack in our society and it needs to be strengthened,” Bush wrote.
The two strengthened ties over the years and now Krauss considers Epstein a “close” and “considerate” friend.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen HawkingM.L. Nestel
January 8, 2015
In 2014, new or strengthened RFRAs were proposed in eight states.
Increased access to affordable birth control has strengthened the economic security of communities.
But some of the Kurds maintain a disconcerting confidence—one now strengthened by the U.S. airstrikes.
Historical Examples
The influences of religion have been multiplied and strengthened.
As our population has expanded, the Union has been cemented and strengthened.
"Hamlet" is a drama of pathetic weakness, strengthened by a drama of revenge and jealousy.
The Man ShakespeareFrank Harris
The cashier's hand had been strengthened by Crane's contribution of evidence.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
The framework is of bamboo, strengthened and held taut with wire guys.
Flying MachinesW.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
strengthen
- to make or become stronger
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for strengthened
strengthen
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper