strengthen
[verb]
Synonyms:
- fortify, brace up, consolidate, harden, invigorate, restore, stiffen, toughen
- reinforce, augment, bolster, brace, build up, buttress, harden, intensify, support

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Antonyms: weaken
Contrasted words: cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, tear down, undermine, deject, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, emasculate, enervate, unman, unnerve
Related Idioms: gather one's resources, recruit one's strength
Related Words: brace, support, undergird, anneal, ruggedize, sinew, tone (up), toughen, cheer, embolden, encourage, enhearten, ensteel, hearten, inspirit, nerve, steel

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

strength‧en W3 /ˈstreŋθən, ˈstrenθən/ verb
[Word Family: verb: strengthen; noun: strength; adverb: strongly; adjective: strong]

1. FEELING/BELIEF/RELATIONSHIP [intransitive and transitive] to become stronger or make something stronger Antonym : weaken:
Our friendship has steadily strengthened over the years.
Steve’s opposition only strengthened her resolve to go ahead.
strengthen sth’s ties/bonds/links etc
The university hopes to strengthen its ties with the local community.
The company plans to strengthen its hand (=make itself more powerful) in Europe by opening an office in Spain.

2. TEAM/ARMY ETC [transitive] to make an organization, army etc more powerful, especially by increasing the number or quality of the people in it Antonym : weaken:
The team has been strengthened by the arrival of two new players.

3. FINANCIAL SITUATION [intransitive and transitive] if the financial situation of a country or company strengthens or is strengthened, it improves or is made to improve Antonym : weaken:
measures to strengthen the economy

4. MONEY [intransitive and transitive] to increase in value, or to increase the value of money Antonym : weaken:
The pound has strengthened against other currencies.

5. BODY/STRUCTURE [transitive] to make something such as your body or a building stronger Antonym : weaken:
Metal supports were added to strengthen the outer walls.

6. PROOF/REASON [transitive] to help prove something:
Fresh evidence has greatly strengthened the case against him.

7. WIND/CURRENT [intransitive] to increase in force:
The wind had strengthened during the night.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

strengthen
verb
ADV. considerably, enormously, greatly, immeasurably, significantly, substantially The success in the election strengthened the party's position considerably.
further This merger will further strengthen the company and ensure its continued success.
merely This temporary setback merely strengthened her resolve.
gradually
VERB + STRENGTHEN help (to), serve to | be designed to These exercises are designed to strengthen your stomach muscles.
PREP. against The euro has strengthened against the dollar.
PHRASES an attempt/effort to strengthen sth, be aimed at strengthening sth The new law is aimed at strengthening protective measures for workers.
measures to strengthen sth

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

strengthen

strengthen somebody's position
They have strengthened their position by their performance in the recent local elections.
strengthen somebody's hand (=make them more powerful)
The controversy has strengthened the hand of her critics.
strengthen somebody's resolve (=make them more determined)
Other people's doubts only strengthened my resolve to start my own business.
strengthen ties/bonds/links
He wants to strengthen ties with the West.
strengthen a relationship
Having counselling is a very positive step which could strengthen your relationship.
strengthen the role of somebody/something
A presidential decree strengthened the role of the Security Council.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲