Strengthen Meaning
/ˈstɹɛŋ(k)θən/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify.
verbTo empower; to give moral strength to; to encourage; to enhearten.
Sentence Examples
It is important to strengthen the basis.
We need to reorganize it in order to strengthen our business activities.
It will also help to strengthen the city's economy.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach gave the players exercises to ____ their muscles for the game.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The exercises are designed to ____ the muscles in your lower back and help improve your overall posture.
Word Origin & History
From rare Middle English strengthenen (14th c.), from earlier strengthen (12th c.), where -en is the infinitive ending. Probably the original form was reinterpreted as strength + -en around the time when the infinitive ending was being apocopated in late Middle English.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest,[…]
With powerful policy strengthen themselves."
— c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth, […]. Epilogue.”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, (please specify the act number in uppercase Roman numerals, and the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals):
"A 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."
— 1851, anonymous author, Arthur Hamilton, and His Dog:
"The viaduct is joined to the embankment by retaining walls, which have been strengthened since they were constructed by the addition of stay bolts extending right through the embankment and fastened outside each retaining wall."
— 1952 July 26, W. R. Watson, “Sankey Viaduct and Embankment”, in Railway Magazine, page 487:
"Charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Deuteronomy iii:28:
"my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose"
— 1831, Nat Turner, The Confessions of Nat Turner:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach gave the players exercises to ____ their muscles for the game.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The exercises are designed to ____ the muscles in your lower back and help improve your overall posture.