B2verb1K

Strengthen

UK /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to become more powerful or effective; to make somebody/something more powerful or effective

In simple words: To make something stronger or more powerful.

Examples

  • Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.
  • They worked together to strengthen their business partnership.
  • This new policy will strengthen the country’s economy.
  • She used supplements to strengthen her immune system.
  • The government aims to strengthen laws against pollution.
  • This training program is designed to strengthen leadership skills.

Usage notes

Use 'strengthen' when referring to making an argument, relationship, or physical object stronger. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but can sound more formal in some situations.

Grammar pattern

strengthen + object

Memory hint

Think 'strength' with an 'en'—imagine adding energy to something to make it robust.

Collocations

  • considerably
  • enormously
  • greatly
  • help (to)
  • serve to
  • be designed to
  • against
  • an attempt to strengthen something
  • an effort to strengthen something
  • be aimed at strengthening something

Synonyms

  • fortify
  • enhance
  • boost
  • reinforce
  • amplify

Antonyms

  • weaken
  • diminish
  • reduce

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'strength' as a noun.
  • Used incorrectly with an intransitive verb pattern (e.g., 'strengthen' alone without an object).
  • Saying 'make strong' instead of 'strengthen'.