past and past participle
Made a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
Physical therapy strengthened his injured knee.
The old bridge was strengthened with steel supports.
American English
How to pronounce strengthened
verbB2Common word
STREHNGthnd
/ˈstɹɛŋ.θn̩d̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of strengthen
Made a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past and past participle
Made an idea, relationship, organization, or situation more effective, stable, or convincing.
The new evidence strengthened her argument.
The agreement strengthened cooperation between the two companies.
past and past participle
Became more powerful, stable, or valuable.
Her confidence strengthened after the interview.
The dollar has strengthened against the euro.
Good to know
When something changes without a person directly making it change, Spanish often uses a reflexive form such as fortalecerse.
Useful expressions
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.