strengthen
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to make something tougher or more solid so it does not break.
to increase the physical power, durability, or structural integrity of an object or body part.
Simple“You can do these exercises every morning to strengthen your back muscles.”
In context“The engineers decided to strengthen the bridge's support pillars with carbon fibre to ensure they could withstand the increased weight of modern traffic.”
UsageOften used with a direct object representing a body part or a physical structure.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to grow in power or intensity.
to increase in force, intensity, or power; used without a direct object.
Simple“The wind began to strengthen as the storm moved closer to the coast.”
In context“Economic indicators suggest that the local currency will continue to strengthen against the dollar throughout the next fiscal quarter.”
UsageIntransitive use; the subject is often a natural force, a currency, or an abstract trend.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make an idea or a feeling more certain or powerful.
to provide additional evidence or support to an argument, belief, or emotional state.
Simple“The new evidence will strengthen our case in court tomorrow.”
In context“The latest archaeological findings significantly strengthen the theory that the ancient settlement was a major trading hub rather than a simple military outpost.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make a connection between people or a position in a group more secure.
to consolidate or improve the quality of a relationship, alliance, or strategic position.
Simple“The two countries signed a new treaty to strengthen their friendship.”
In context“The CEO's recent keynote address was designed to strengthen investor confidence following a period of significant market volatility.”
Synonyms
Usage strengthen social · strengthen security · strengthen argument
“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.”
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.