Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To make something physically stronger or more robust.
   • To make something more effective, powerful, or resilient.
   • To reinforce or support something, making it more stable or secure.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become physically stronger or more robust.
   • To increase in intensity, effectiveness, or power.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (making something else stronger):

  • This exercise will strengthen your upper body. (It will make your muscles more powerful.)
  • The treaty was signed to strengthen the relations between the two countries. (It was intended to make the diplomatic ties more stable and positive.)
  • Adding steel beams will strengthen the building's structure. (It will make the building more solid and secure.)

• Intransitive Verb (becoming stronger itself):

  • His body *strengthened* after months of training.* (It became more physically powerful.)
  • The wind *strengthened* overnight, becoming a gale.* (It increased in force and intensity.)
  • Her resolve *strengthened* as she learned more about the cause.* (Her determination became firmer.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Strengthen one's hand: To improve one's position or bargaining power in a situation.
  • The new evidence strengthened the prosecutor's hand in the negotiations.
• Strengthen ties/bonds: To make relationships or connections more solid and enduring.
  • The cultural exchange program aims to strengthen ties between the universities.

Variants and Related Words

• Strength (n): The quality or state of being strong.
  • He admired her inner strength.
• Strengthening (n/adj): The act or process of making something stronger; serving to strengthen.
  • The strengthening of the economy was evident. (n)
  • The doctor recommended a strengthening exercise regimen. (adj)
• Strong (adj): Having great power or physical ability.
  • She has a strong will.

Synonyms

• Fortify: To strengthen, especially against attack (e.g., ).
• Reinforce: To strengthen by adding extra support or material (e.g., ).
• Bolster: To support or strengthen (e.g., ).
• Tone (specific to muscles): To give a healthy elasticity or firmness (e.g., ).

Antonyms

• Weaken: To make or become less strong.
• Undermine: To weaken or damage gradually.
• Sap: To gradually weaken or drain of strength.

Common Collocations

• Strengthen a position/argument: To make a stance or case more convincing.
• Strengthen a muscle/bone: To improve physical power or density.
• Strengthen a currency/economy: To improve financial stability and value.
• Strengthen a resolve/commitment: To make a decision or promise more firm.

Verb

1. give a healthy elasticity to
   • Let's tone our muscles
2. gain strength
   • His body strengthened
3. make strong or stronger
   • This exercise will strengthen your upper body
   • strengthen the relations between the two countries