Strengthen
'streŋθən
Definitions
To make something stronger or more effective; to become stronger or more firm.
'streŋθən
To make or become stronger.
We need to strengthen our defenses against cyber attacks.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a tower. To make it sturdy and tall, you need to use strong materials. To strengthen something means to make it even stronger, like using extra bricks in the tower's base. Think about how you can strengthen your friendships by spending more time with your friends.
👶 For kids: To make something stronger! Like when you lift weights to strengthen your muscles.
More Examples
The company plans to strengthen its market position through innovation.
Regular practice will strengthen your skills.
How It's Used
"The new regulations will strengthen the economy."
"Exercise is crucial to strengthen muscles."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English strengthen, strenghen, from Old English strengþian (“to strengthen”), from strong + -en (infinitival suffix).
The word has been used since the Old English period to describe increasing power or resistance.
Memory tip
Think of making something more robust and enduring. Strengthen is about adding power, resilience, or intensity.
Word Origin
"to make strong"