strengthen
gb/stɹˈɛŋθən/ us/stɹˈɛŋθən/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make something stronger
To make something stronger or better.
Usage pattern:
to strengthen [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'strengthen' with 'strong'. 'Strong' is an adjective describing something, while 'strengthen' is a verb meaning to make something strong.
Synonyms
fortify (Often used for physical structures or defenses; slightly more formal.)
|
reinforce (Suggests adding support to something already existing.)
Antonyms
weaken (Means to make less strong or less effective.)
Collocations
strengthen muscles
|strengthen relationships
|strengthen the economy
|strengthen security
|strengthen resolve
Themes
daily life
|business
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Regular exercise can strengthen your heart.
- The government introduced new measures to strengthen the economy.
- This training program will strengthen your leadership skills.
- They worked together to strengthen their friendship.
- Vitamin C may help strengthen the immune system.
Learner examples
- Exercise will strengthen your body.
- Good food can strengthen your health.
- We want to strengthen our team.
- The teacher will strengthen our skills.
- Strong walls can strengthen the house.
Verb
B1
action
2
Become stronger
To get stronger or better.
Usage pattern:
[something] strengthens
Synonyms
improve (More general; not limited to strength.)
|
intensify (Suggests becoming stronger in force or degree, often quickly.)
Antonyms
weaken (Means to lose strength or power.)
Collocations
muscles strengthen
|relationship strengthens
|economy strengthens
Themes
daily life
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her legs strengthened after months of therapy.
- The company's position in the market has strengthened.
- Friendship strengthens over time when nurtured.
- The wind strengthened as the storm approached.
Learner examples
- My arm strengthened after exercise.
- Our friendship strengthened last year.
- The wind strengthened in the afternoon.
- The team strengthened after training.
Grammar
Dictionary form
strengthen
IPA
GB/stɹˈɛŋθən/
US/stɹˈɛŋθən/
Syllables & stress
strengthen (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (strengthen)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: strengthen
- 3rd Person Singular: strengthens
- Present Participle: strengthening
- Past: strengthened
Word family
Expressions
strengthen one's hand
1/stɹˈɛŋθən wˈʌnz hˈænd/
idiom
Increase someone's advantage
To give someone more power or control in a situation.
Examples
- Winning the court case will strengthen her hand in negotiations.
- The new evidence strengthened the prosecutor's hand.
strengthen ties
1/stɹˈɛŋθən tˈaɪz/
fixed phrase
Improve a relationship or connection
To make a relationship better and closer.
Examples
- The two countries agreed to strengthen ties in trade and security.
- Community events can help strengthen ties between neighbors.