Strengthen

Pronunciation

Origin

From strength + -en.

Full definition of strengthen

Verb

1. (transitive) To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify; to reinforce.to strengthen a limb, a bridge, an armyto strengthen an obligationto strengthen authority
• ShakespeareLet noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest, ...
  With powerful policy strengthen themselves.
• 1851, Anonymous, Arthur Hamilton, and His DogA little hardship, and a little struggling with the rougher elements of life, will perchance but strengthen and increase his courage, and prepare him for the conflicts and struggles of after years.
2. (transitive) To animate; to give moral strength to; to encourage; to fix in resolution; to hearten.
• Bible, Deuteronomy iii. 28Charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him.
3. (transitive) To augment; to improve; to intensify.
4. (intransitive) To grow strong or stronger.

Antonyms

• atrophy

Derived terms

• strengthener