American English
/ˈstɹɛŋ.θn̩/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
To make a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
You may hear strengthen as /ˈstɹɛŋ.θn̩/ or /ˈstɹɛŋk.θn̩/. Both are natural American pronunciations.
To make a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
Regular exercise strengthens your back.
Steel bars strengthened the old bridge.
strengthen muscles · strengthen bones · strengthen a structure · strengthen the back
strengthen + something
strengthen + something + with + something
To make an idea, relationship, organization, or situation more effective, stable, or convincing.
The new evidence strengthened her argument.
Shared goals can strengthen a relationship.
strengthen an argument · strengthen a relationship · strengthen security · strengthen the economy
strengthen + something
strengthen + something + by + -ing
To become more powerful, stable, or valuable.
The dollar strengthened against the euro.
Her confidence strengthened over time.
When something changes without a person directly making it change, Spanish often uses a reflexive form such as fortalecerse.
a currency strengthens · demand strengthens · resolve strengthens
something + strengthens
something + strengthens + over time
to make one's opinion, authority, or advantage more secure
The new evidence strengthened her position.
to improve a relationship between people, groups, or countries
The visit strengthened ties between the two countries.
to make an argument more convincing
These facts strengthen the case for reform.