Word
strengthen
Phoneticsstrength·en, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɹɛŋθən/
UK/stɹˈɛŋθən/
Definitions
01to make physically stronger
B1 · Intermediate
v. to make something tougher or more solid so it does not break.
v. to increase the physical power, durability, or structural integrity of an object or body part.
日本語:固める※
Español:fortalecer
“You can do these exercises every morning to strengthen your back muscles.”
“The engineers decided to strengthen the bridge's support pillars with carbon fibre to ensure they could withstand the increased weight of modern traffic.”
Usage
Often used with a direct object representing a body part or a physical structure.
Antonyms
02to become stronger
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to grow in power or intensity.
v. to increase in force, intensity, or power; used without a direct object.
“The wind began to strengthen as the storm moved closer to the coast.”
“Economic indicators suggest that the local currency will continue to strengthen against the dollar throughout the next fiscal quarter.”
Usage
Intransitive use; the subject is often a natural force, a currency, or an abstract trend.
03to support an argument or belief
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make an idea or a feeling more certain or powerful.
v. to provide additional evidence or support to an argument, belief, or emotional state.
日本語:強める※
“The new evidence will strengthen our case in court tomorrow.”
“The latest archaeological findings significantly strengthen the theory that the ancient settlement was a major trading hub rather than a simple military outpost.”
Synonyms
04to improve a relationship or position
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make a connection between people or a position in a group more secure.
v. to consolidate or improve the quality of a relationship, alliance, or strategic position.
“The two countries signed a new treaty to strengthen their friendship.”
“The CEO's recent keynote address was designed to strengthen investor confidence following a period of significant market volatility.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “strengthen” in context.
Verb
01. strengthen argument
“You should include more statistical data to strengthen your argument.”
verb + noun
02. strengthen case
“The new evidence will significantly strengthen the case against the defendant.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Turkiye would also continue to strengthen ties with Kurdish communities and safeguard their rights across the region, he added.” “It also strengthens immune defences and repairs muscle tissue.” Etymology
From rare Middle English strengthenen (14th c.), from earlier strengthen (12th c.), where -en is the infinitive ending. Probably the original form was reinterpreted as strength + -en around the time when the infinitive ending was being apocopated in late Middle English.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/strengthen
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0