strengthen

[ strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren- ]

/ ˈstrɛŋk θən, ˈstrɛŋ-, ˈstrɛn- /

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See synonyms for: strengthen / strengthened / strengthening / strengthener on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

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.

verb (used without object)

to gain strength; grow stronger.

OTHER WORDS FOR strengthen

1 buttress, reinforce, fortify, support.

See synonyms for strengthen on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

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Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

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Origin of strengthen

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

OTHER WORDS FROM strengthen

strength·en·er, nounstrength·en·ing·ly, adverbo·ver·strength·en, verbpre·strength·en, verb (used with object)

re·strength·en, verbun·strength·ened, adjectiveun·strength·en·ing, adjective

How to use strengthen in a sentence

Helping employees get out to vote not only honors their constitutional rights, it strengthens our communities and even our industries.
Outdoor industry leaders: Why we’re giving our employees the resources to vote|jakemeth|October 7, 2020|Fortune
It also strengthened opposition to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Insights Into How The US Abortion Gag Rule Affects Health Services In Kenya|LGBTQ-Editor|October 2, 2020|No Straight News
It’s as deadly as the epidemic and we need to strengthen this science.
The World Health Organization is leaning on big tech to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic|Nicole Goodkind|October 1, 2020|Fortune
Bender added that news does not add materially to its bottom line, but its role is in educating and informing people, as well strengthening democracy.
‘Quite cynical’: Publishers leery about Google’s $1 billion news licensing pot|Lucinda Southern|October 1, 2020|Digiday

Our team at Development is committed to ensuring taxpayers get a good return on their investments, supporting Ohio businesses and strengthening communities across the state.
Ohio Just Ordered GM to Repay $28 Million in Tax Breaks for Closing the Lordstown Auto Plant|by Dan O’Brien, The Business Journal|September 28, 2020|ProPublica
Another good exercise for drivers is an arm strengthener, says Daubs.
8 Ways to Exercise While You Commute|Doree Shafrir|February 18, 2010|DAILY BEAST
This Metheglin is a great Balsom and strengthener of the Viscera; is excellent in colds and coughs and consumptions.
The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened|Kenelm Digby
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

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

strengthen

OTHER WORDS FOR strengthen

Origin of strengthen

OTHER WORDS FROM strengthen

Words related to strengthen

How to use strengthen in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for strengthen

Derived forms of strengthen