strengthen Hear it!

strengthen Definition

strengthen (----ən)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to increase in strength; make or become stronger

strengthen Related Forms
strength′·ener noun
strengthen Synonyms

strengthen

v.

intensify, add, invigorate, fortify, encourage, confirm, increase, multiply, empower, arm, energize, harden, reactivate, steel, reinforce, brace, buttress, stimulate, sustain, nerve, animate, reanimate, restore, reman, refresh, recover, hearten, establish, toughen, temper, bear out, rejuvenate, tone up, build up, make firm, stiffen, brace up, rally, sharpen, enliven, give weight, carry weight, substantiate, uphold, back, augment, enlarge, extend, mount, rise, ascend, wax, grow, back up, beef up*.

Antonyms weaken*, cripple, tear down.

strengthen Usage Examples

Used with why or when

  • when: That's where the test comes and the steel is strengthened when it's tested, tempered, when it goes through the fire.

Object

  • ty: RDS is keen to strengthen ties with the province.
  • muscle: Nicotine strengthens the muscle that keeps the bladder shut.
  • cooperation: Diplomacy is the instrument of power that builds political will and strengthens international cooperation.
  • squad: The improved facilities will strengthen squads by allowing more training and more matches.
  • bond: To strengthen the bond between students even further, houses become teams for school-wide competitions.
  • capacity: Capacity Building OSW plays an important role in strengthening the capacity of its partner agencies to deliver services.

Subject

  • arrival: James's work on these issues was further strengthened by the arrival in London, in 1936, of George Padmore.

Modifying Another Word

  • considerably: The Board of Trustees, therefore, is now considerably strengthened.
  • greatly: The breadth of stakeholder interests engaged in the process will greatly strengthen them.
  • significantly: During the year, CAT significantly strengthened its patent portfolio relating to TGF-beta antagonists.
  • thereby: Firstly, it would force rationalization of the farming industry, thereby strengthening demands to reform the unwieldy European Union Common Agricultural Policy.
  • substantially: We want European strategic airlift capabilities to be strengthened substantially.
  • thus: WAQ makes money available for signing players, thus strengthening the QPR squad - Profit.

Preposition: against

  • euro: If the pound strengthened against the euro by 10 % , you would pay only £ 123,000 for the villa.

Present participle complement

  • exist: Aims The purpose of this body would be to strengthen existing arrangements for the handling of food safety matters.

Preposition: in

  • faith: He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.

Preposition: with

  • might: He was " strengthened with all might according to His glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness " ( Colossians 1:11 ).
  • appointment: The team at H&H Bowe had been further strengthened with the appointment of John Robson as a director.

Preposition: by

  • arrival: James's work on these issues was further strengthened by the arrival in London, in 1936, of George Padmore.