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

City are chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, one of four fronts both teams are competing in, and boss Pep Guardiola has decided to strengthen the right-hand side of his attack.

From BBC

Record signing Nick Woltemade scored both goals in an impressive first-half display to strengthen his bond with Newcastle's loyal and passionate supporters.

From Barron's

"It strengthens India's heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market," he said in a statement.

From Barron's

The team says its architecture could mark a major shift in AI hardware and strengthen domestic semiconductor innovation.

From Science Daily

This would help "strengthen the national defence system and support security and stability in Syria and the region", the report said.

From Barron's

Related Words

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