strengthen

[ strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make stronger; give strength to.

   Synonyms: support, fortify, reinforce, buttress

2. 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)

1. to gain strength; grow stronger.

strengthen

/ ˈstrɛŋθən /

verb

1. to make or become stronger

Derived Forms

• ˈstrengthener, noun

Other Words From

• strengthen·er noun
• strengthen·ing·ly adverb
• over·strengthen verb
• pre·strengthen verb (used with object)
• re·strengthen verb
• un·strengthened adjective
• un·strengthen·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strengthen¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen. See strength, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data.

From Los Angeles Times

So the Dodgers can strengthen baseball’s best lineup, deepen their historic batting order, tighten their versatile defense, become even more exciting, more enchanting, more unbeatable.

From Los Angeles Times

Campaign group the Molly Rose Foundation welcomed what it called an "important marker for Ofcom to be bolder" but said that should not obscure the fact that the OSA needed to be strengthened.

From BBC

Trump will take office in an economy that has strengthened in recent months, with a decline in interest rates, unemployment numbers and inflation.

From Salon

Locals feared that the proposed bill would trigger an influx of Russian investment, pricing them out of the property market and further strengthening Moscow's grip on the region.

From BBC

Related Words

• bolster
• build up
• enhance
• enlarge
• establish
• extend
• heighten
• increase
• intensify
• invigorate
• reinforce
• restore
• set up
• step up
• support
• sustain
• toughen