WordGarden.iostrengthen
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /strˈɛŋθən/
US
- /ˈstrɛŋθən/
Meanings
Verb
to make or become stronger, more effective, or more resilient
Beyond the definition
To strengthen something is to make it more powerful, solid, or effective. Think of building muscles: each workout makes your body stronger. But you can also strengthen relationships by spending quality time together, or strengthen an argument by adding supporting evidence. It is about making things better at being what they already are. A weak bridge needs strengthening before cars can cross it safely. A shy person might work to build stronger confidence. You do not strengthen something by replacing it. You build on what is already there.
The word "strengthen" means to increase the power, effectiveness, or resilience of something. It suggests taking something that already exists and making it better able to handle challenges or do its job well.
You can strengthen physical things: "The engineers strengthened the dam to protect against flooding." You can also strengthen abstract things: "Regular practice will strengthen your memory," or "A shared experience can strengthen a friendship."
Strengthen is not about creating something new, but about improving what is already there. It often suggests adding support, reinforcing what already exists, or building up a quality that is present but not strong enough. A detective might try to strengthen a case with more evidence. A leader might work to strengthen morale within a team. A doctor may prescribe medicine to strengthen a patient's immune system.
The opposite of strengthening is weakening. Just as weakness can appear in many forms, strength can be increased in many kinds of things too.
So whether you are talking about physical structures, personal qualities, or abstract ideas, to strengthen means to bolster, reinforce, and make something more robust by building on what is already there.
Examples
- 1
Physical exercise
These exercises will strengthen your back and shoulders.
- 2
Weather
The storm strengthened as it moved toward the coast.
- 3
Friendship
Spending more time together helped strengthen their friendship.
- 4
Security
The school has added cameras to strengthen security around the building.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Market position
The company is trying to strengthen its position in the Asian market.
- 6
Legal case
New evidence has strengthened the case against him.
- Patternthe case against + person
the reasons for believing they did something wrong
- 7
School relationships
The program aims to strengthen ties between the school and local families.
- Phrasestrengthen ties
make a relationship closer or stronger
- 8
Personal resolve
The crisis only strengthened her resolve to leave.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- strengthen ties
- strengthen the economy
- strengthen security
- strengthen your case
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- strengthenverb
Forms
- strengthening-ing formverb
- strengthenedpast tenseverb
- strengthensverb