strengthen

[ strengk-thuhn, streng-, stren- ]
/ ˈstrɛŋk θən, ˈstrɛŋ-, ˈstrɛn- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR strengthen ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make stronger; give strength to.
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)

to gain strength; grow stronger.

Origin of strengthen

First recorded in 1250–1300, strengthen is from the Middle English word strengthnen. See strength, -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM strengthen

Words nearby strengthen

strega, streicher, streisand, strelitzia, strength, strengthen, strengthless, strenuous, strep, strep throat, strephosymbolia

Words related to strengthening

bolster, restore, extend, invigorate, establish, support, enlarge, increase, reinforce, sustain, heighten, enhance, toughen, intensify, consolidate, uphold, tone, buttress, rejuvenate, ascend

Example sentences from the Web for strengthening

British Dictionary definitions for strengthening

strengthen
/ (ˈstrɛŋθən) /

verb

to make or become stronger

Derived forms of strengthen

strengthener, noun