strengthen

[ strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren- ]
See synonyms for: strengthenstrengthenedstrengtheningstrengthener on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to make stronger; give strength to.

  2. Phonetics. to change (a speech sound) to an articulation requiring more effort, as from fricative to stop or nongeminate to geminate.

verb (used without object)
  1. to gain strength; grow stronger.

Origin of strengthen

1
First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen.See strength, -en1

Other words for strengthen

Other words from strengthen

  • strength·en·er, noun
  • strength·en·ing·ly, adverb
  • o·ver·strength·en, verb
  • pre·strength·en, verb (used with object)
  • re·strength·en, verb
  • un·strength·ened, adjective
  • un·strength·en·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use strengthen in a sentence

  • Another good exercise for drivers is an arm strengthener, says Daubs.

    8 Ways to Exercise While You Commute | Doree Shafrir | February 18, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • This Metheglin is a great Balsom and strengthener of the Viscera; is excellent in colds and coughs and consumptions.

  • Therefore anything that improves the general vitality is an excellent voice strengthener, provided you use the voice properly.

    The Art of Public Speaking | Dale Carnagey (AKA Dale Carnegie) and J. Berg Esenwein
  • By strengthening their souls to do right; hence called the Comforter or Strengthener.

    The Quiver 3/1900 | Anonymous
  • Some such strengthener as the super-position of suitable colours is therefore necessary.

    Practical Lithography | Alfred Seymour
  • But do you know the medicine of example, the healing power of admiration, and of that soul-strengthener, reverence?

    Titan: A Romance v. 1 (of 2) | Jean Paul Friedrich Richter

British Dictionary definitions for strengthen

strengthen

/ (ˈstrɛŋθən) /


verb
  1. to make or become stronger

Derived forms of strengthen

  • strengthener, noun

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