strengthen
/ˈstrɛŋθ(ə)n
/ /ˈstrɛŋkθ(ə)n/verb
Make or become stronger: [with object]: he advises an application of fluoride to strengthen the teeth [no object]: the wind won’t strengthen until after dark...
- It spreads and strengthens and multiplies until it smothers anything trying to stifle it.
- Nicotine is the substance that reinforces and strengthens the desire to smoke.
- It strengthens muscles and increases endurance, which is very important during labour.
Synonyms
make strong/stronger, build up, give strength to, make healthy, nourish
reinforce, make stronger, buttress, brace, shore up, underpin
rare underprop
toughen, temper, anneal
become strong/stronger, gain strength, intensify, pick up, heighten
fortify, bolster, make stronger, give strength to, give a boost to, boost, reinforce, harden, stiffen, toughen, steel, cement;
increase, add to, fuel, add fuel to;
renew, vitalize, give new energy to, buoy up, hearten
step up, increase, heighten, escalate, scale up
informal up, crank up, beef up
reinforce, make more forceful, lend more weight to;
support, back up, bolster, confirm, bear out, substantiate, corroborate, authenticate;
consolidate
Phrases
strengthen someone's hand (or hands)
Derivatives
strengthener
- Mr Proudfoot will use poultices to remove encrusted dust and grime before treating the stone with chemical strengtheners to prevent cracking and erosion.
- Calcium and vitamin D are good general bone strengtheners.
- Dips target your lower pectorals, triceps, and shoulders - they are an ideal upper-body strengthener.