Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense strengthens, present participle strengthening, past tense, past participle strengthened
1. verb
If something strengthens a person or group or if they strengthen their position, they become more powerful and secure, or more likely to succeed.
The new constitution strengthens the government. [VERB noun]
To strengthen his position in Parliament, he held talks with the opposition. [VERB noun]
He hoped to strengthen the position of the sciences in the leading universities. [VERB noun]
2. verb
If something strengthens a case or argument, it supports it by providing more reasons or evidence for it.
He does not seem to be familiar with research which might have strengthened his ownarguments. [VERB noun]
3. verb
If a currency, economy, or industry strengthens, or if something strengthens it, it increases in value or becomes more successful.
The dollar strengthened against most other currencies. [VERB]
The Government should start by strengthening the economy. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: increase in value, become stronger More Synonyms of strengthen
4. verb
If a government strengthens laws or measures or if they strengthen, they are made more severe.
I am also looking urgently at how we can strengthen the law. [VERB noun]
Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers. [VERB noun]
Because of the war, security procedures have strengthened. [VERB]
Synonyms: step up, reinforce, increase, heighten More Synonyms of strengthen
5. verb
If something strengthens you or strengthens your resolve or character, it makes you more confident and determined.
Any experience can teach and strengthen you, but particularly the more difficultones. [VERB noun]
This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league. [VERB noun]
She began to believe that Nick would survive, and every day that came and went strengthenedher conviction. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: bolster, harden, reinforce, give a boost to More Synonyms of strengthen
6. verb
If something strengthens a relationship or link, or if a relationship or link strengthens, it makes it closer and more likely to last for a long time.
It will draw you closer together, and it will strengthen the bond of your relationship. [VERB noun]
His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries. [VERB noun]
In a strange way, his affair caused our relationship to strengthen. [VERB]
7. verb
If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens, it becomes greater or affects more people.
His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization. [VERB noun]
Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism. [VERB noun]
Amy's own Republican sympathies strengthened as the days passed. [VERB]
Synonyms: heighten, intensify, reinforce More Synonyms of strengthen
8. verb
If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things.
Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body. [VERB noun]
Yoga can be used to strengthen the immune system. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: make stronger, build up, invigorate, restore More Synonyms of strengthen
9. verb
If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed.
The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: support, brace, steel, reinforce More Synonyms of strengthen
10. verb
If the wind, current, or other force strengthens, it becomes faster or more powerful.
As it strengthened the wind was veering southerly. [VERB]
There was a short sharp shower followed by a strengthening breeze. [VERB-ing]
Synonyms: become stronger, pick up, intensify, heighten More Synonyms of strengthen
More Synonyms of strengthen
strengthen in British English
(ˈstrɛŋθən)
verb
to make or become stronger
Derived forms
strengthener (ˈstrengthener)
noun
strengthen in American English
(strɛŋkθən; strɛŋθən; often, strɛnθən)
verb transitive, verb intransitive
to increase in strength; make or become stronger
Derived forms
strengthener (ˈstrengthener)
noun
Examples of 'strengthen' in a sentence
strengthen
Yet they have only succeeded in strengthening the opposite case.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You can do the true talking that strengthens relationships.
The Sun (2013)
Talk to your wife about any changes you need to make to strengthen your relationship.
The Sun (2013)
The data will strengthen arguments that raising the retirement age will penalise the poorest.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They found that the experience strengthened working relationships.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They may also help strengthen the immune system.
The Sun (2012)
Which only strengthens my resolve to change.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This link only strengthened as they grew up.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The mood changed as strengthening southwest winds began to draw in a warmer tropical maritime air mass.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But does this reflect a strengthening of the economy?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They do not strengthen their case by repeating their horror.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This surprises you but means you can strengthen relationships at home and at work.
The Sun (2013)
Of course that is going to strengthen my experience and my hand.
The Sun (2007)
The oil acts as a powerful but gentle antiseptic and may also help strengthen the immune system.
Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)
Their stories have touched our hearts and strengthened our resolve.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Their governing bodies have strengthened the links with industry.
Brown, Muriel & Payne Sarah Introduction to Social Administration in Britain (1990)
The results of such an assessment may actually strengthen your case.
MacIntyre, Anne M. E. Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome - How To Live With It (1989)
The way you deal with unexpected challenges in a relationship strengthens the love bond.
The Sun (2011)
The buoyant mood spreading through the economy was strengthened yesterday by surprisingly good retail sales and employment figures.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Feeling cool in a strengthening wind.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
That strengthens you, makes you better and more appreciative when you get there.
The Sun (2009)
But how can we be sure that all British banks can strengthen their capital positions to be eligible for the guarantee?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The Pound has strengthened against the euro as the crisis in Greece has unfolded.
The Sun (2015)
The Referendum Act strengthens the sceptic position still further.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
strengthen
British English: strengthen /ˈstrɛŋθən/ VERB
To strengthen something means to make it stronger.
Cycling strengthens all the muscles of the body.
American English: strengthen
Arabic: يُقَوِي
Brazilian Portuguese: fortalecer
Chinese: 加强
Croatian: ojačati
Czech: posílit
Danish: styrke
Dutch: sterker maken
European Spanish: fortalecer
Finnish: vahvistaa tehdä vahvemmaksi
French: renforcer
German: stärken
Greek: ενισχύω
Italian: rafforzare
Japanese: 強くする
Korean: 강화하다
Norwegian: styrke
Polish: wzmocnić
European Portuguese: fortalecer
Romanian: a întări
Russian: усиливать(ся)
Latin American Spanish: fortalecer
Swedish: förstärka
Thai: ทำให้แข็งแรงขึ้น
Turkish: güçlendirmek
Ukrainian: зміцнювати
Vietnamese: tăng cường
All related terms of 'strengthen'
strengthen protection
To give or be protection against something unpleasant means to prevent people or things from being harmed or damaged by it.
strengthen a belief
If it is your belief that something is the case, it is your strong opinion that it is the case.
strengthen a position
You can describe your situation at a particular time by saying that you are in a particular position .
strengthen the belief
Belief is a feeling of certainty that something exists, is true , or is good.
strengthen a relationship
The relationship between two people or groups is the way in which they feel and behave towards each other.
Chinese translation of 'strengthen'
strengthen
(ˈstrɛŋθn)
vt
[building, machine]加固 (jiāgù)
[muscle]使 ... 有力 (shǐ ... yǒulì)
[economy, currency, relationship]加强(強) (jiāqiáng)
[argument]增强(強) (zēngqiáng)
1 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Such antagonism, he has asserted, strengthened his resolve.
Synonyms
fortify
The volunteers were fortified by their patriotic belief.
encourage
When things aren't going well, he always encourages me.
harden
toughen
people who have been toughened by their daily circumstances
fuel
steel
consolidate
stiffen
proposals to stiffen the penalties for tax evasion
hearten
The news heartened everybody.
buoy up
gee up
brace up
vitalize
give new energy to
Opposites
undermine
,
weaken
,
dilute
,
sap
,
destroy
,
crush
,
debilitate
,
subvert
2 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Research would strengthen the case for socialist reform.
Synonyms
reinforce
support
The evidence does not support the argument.
confirm
He has confirmed his position as the world's number one snooker player.
establish
An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death.
justify
This decision was fully justified by economic conditions.
enhance
They want to enhance their reputation abroad.
intensify
bolster
substantiate
There is little scientific evidence to substantiate the claims.
buttress
corroborate
I had access to a wide range of documents which corroborated the story.
give a boost to
3 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
The dollar strengthened against other currencies.
Synonyms
increase in value
become stronger
4 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers.
Synonyms
step up
reinforce
increase
The company has increased the price of its cars.
heighten
escalate
Defeat could cause one side or the other to escalate the conflict.
crank up (informal)
scale up
5 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Any experience can teach and strengthen you.
Synonyms
bolster
harden
reinforce
They had to reinforce the walls with exterior beams.
give a boost to
6 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Every day of sunshine strengthens the feeling of optimism.
Synonyms
heighten
The move has heightened tension in the state.
intensify
They are intensifying their efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
reinforce
Troops and police have been reinforced.
7 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
Yoga can be used to strengthen the immune system.
Synonyms
make stronger
build up
invigorate
Take a deep breath in to invigorate you.
restore
We will restore her to health.
nourish
rejuvenate
He was advised that the Italian climate would rejuvenate him.
make healthy
give strength to
8 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.
Synonyms
support
the thick wooden posts that supported the ceiling
brace
The lights showed the old timbers, used to brace the roof.
steel
reinforce
consolidate
The Prime Minister hopes to consolidate existing trade ties between the two countries.
harden
Their action can only serve to harden the attitude of landowners.
bolster
a number of measures intended to bolster morale
augment
She was searching for a way to augment her income.
buttress
His tough line is buttressed by a democratic mandate.
9 (verb)
Definition
to become stronger or make (something) stronger
As it strengthened, the wind was veering southerly.
Synonyms
become stronger
pick up
The sheltering trees round about rustled as the wind picked up.
intensify
heighten
gain strength
Seefortify
Synonyms of 'strengthen'
strengthen
Explore 'strengthen' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of confirm
Definition
to strengthen
He has confirmed his position as the world's number one snooker player.
Synonyms
strengthen,
establish,
settle,
fix,
secure,
assure,
reinforce,
clinch,
verify,
fortify
in the sense of consolidate
Definition
to make or become stronger or more stable
The Prime Minister hopes to consolidate existing trade ties between the two countries.
Synonyms
strengthen,
secure,
reinforce,
cement,
fortify,
stabilize
in the sense of corroborate
Definition
to support (a fact or opinion) by giving proof
I had access to a wide range of documents which corroborated the story.
Synonyms
support,
establish,
confirm,
document,
sustain,
back up,
endorse,
ratify,
validate,
bear out,
substantiate,
authenticate
in the sense of encourage
Definition
to give (someone) the confidence to do something
When things aren't going well, he always encourages me.
Synonyms
inspire,
comfort,
rally,
cheer,
stimulate,
reassure,
animate,
console,
rouse,
hearten,
cheer up,
embolden,
buoy up,
pep up,
boost someone's morale,
give hope to,
buck up (informal),
gee up,
lift the spirits of,
give confidence to,
inspirit
in the sense of enhance
Definition
to improve or increase in quality, value, or power
They want to enhance their reputation abroad.
Synonyms
improve,
better,
increase,
raise,
lift,
boost,
add to,
strengthen,
reinforce,
swell,
intensify,
heighten,
elevate,
magnify,
augment,
exalt,
embellish,
ameliorate
in the sense of escalate
Definition
to increase or be increased in size, seriousness, or intensity
Defeat could cause one side or the other to escalate the conflict.
Synonyms
increase,
develop,
extend,
intensify,
expand,
build up,
step up,
heighten,
enlarge,
magnify,
amplify
in the sense of establish
Definition
to prove
An autopsy was being done to establish the cause of death.
Synonyms
prove,
show,
confirm,
demonstrate,
ratify,
certify,
verify,
validate,
substantiate,
corroborate,
authenticate
in the sense of harden
Definition
to make or become stronger or firmer
Their action can only serve to harden the attitude of landowners.
Synonyms
reinforce,
strengthen,
fortify,
steel,
nerve,
brace,
toughen,
buttress,
gird,
indurate
in the sense of hearten
Definition
to encourage or make cheerful
The news heartened everybody.
Synonyms
encourage,
inspire,
cheer,
comfort,
assure,
stimulate,
reassure,
animate,
console,
rouse,
incite,
embolden,
buoy up,
buck up (informal),
raise someone's spirits,
revivify,
gee up,
inspirit
in the sense of increase
Definition
to make or become greater in size, degree, or frequency
The company has increased the price of its cars.
Synonyms
raise,
extend,
boost,
expand,
develop,
advance,
add to,
strengthen,
enhance,
step up (informal),
widen,
prolong,
intensify,
heighten,
elevate,
enlarge,
multiply,
inflate,
magnify,
amplify,
augment,
aggrandize,
upscale
Additional synonyms
in the sense of intensify
Definition
to make or become intense or more intense
They are intensifying their efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
Synonyms
increase,
boost,
raise,
extend,
concentrate,
add to,
strengthen,
enhance,
compound,
reinforce,
step up (informal),
emphasize,
widen,
heighten,
sharpen,
magnify,
amplify,
augment,
redouble
in the sense of invigorate
Definition
to give energy to or refresh
Take a deep breath in to invigorate you.
Synonyms
refresh,
stimulate,
brace,
strengthen,
animate,
exhilarate,
fortify,
quicken,
rejuvenate,
enliven,
perk up,
freshen (up),
energize,
revitalize,
galvanize,
liven up,
pep up,
buck up (informal),
put new heart into,
nerve
in the sense of justify
Definition
to defend (an action) as being warranted
This decision was fully justified by economic conditions.
Synonyms
explain,
support,
warrant,
bear out,
legitimize,
establish,
maintain,
confirm,
defend,
approve,
excuse,
sustain,
uphold,
acquit,
vindicate,
validate,
substantiate,
exonerate,
legalize,
absolve,
exculpate
in the sense of pick up
The sheltering trees round about rustled as the wind picked up.
Synonyms
get stronger,
strengthen,
blow stronger
in the sense of rejuvenate
Definition
to give back youth or vitality to
He was advised that the Italian climate would rejuvenate him.
Synonyms
revitalize,
restore,
renew,
refresh,
regenerate,
breathe new life into,
reinvigorate,
revivify,
give new life to,
reanimate,
make young again,
restore vitality to
in the sense of restore
Definition
to bring back to health or good spirits
We will restore her to health.
Synonyms
revive,
build up,
strengthen,
bring back,
refresh,
rejuvenate,
revitalize,
revivify,
reanimate
in the sense of stiffen
Definition
to make or become stiff or stiffer
proposals to stiffen the penalties for tax evasion
Synonyms
strengthen,
reinforce,
harden,
toughen
in the sense of substantiate
Definition
to establish (a story) as genuine
There is little scientific evidence to substantiate the claims.
Synonyms
support,
prove,
confirm,
establish,
affirm,
verify,
validate,
bear out,
corroborate,
attest to,
authenticate
in the sense of toughen
Definition
to make or become tough or tougher
people who have been toughened by their daily circumstances