Strengthen

Definition

Strengthen refers to the action or effect of making something stronger, whether it pertains to physical strength, structural integrity, or the augmentation of a particular ability, quality, or condition.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstrɛŋkθən/ or /ˈstrɛŋθən/
• Respelling: STRENGK-thuhn (with "STRENGK" as in "strength," and "thuhn" as in "button") or STRENGTH-uhn (with "STRENGTH" as in "strength," and "uhn" as in "button")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstrɛŋkθən/ or /ˈstrɛŋθən/
• Respelling: STRENGK-thuhn (similar to American English, with "STRENGK" as in "strength," and "thuhn" like in "button") or STRENGTH-uhn (with "STRENGTH" as in "strength," and "uhn" as in "button")

In both dialects, "strengthen" can be pronounced with or without the "k" sound after "strɛŋ." The primary stress is on the first syllable, "STRENG" or "STRENGTH." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, highlighting the word's phonetic structure and its emphasis on building or reinforcing.

Etymology

The word "strengthen" stems from the Middle English word strengthenen, which is derived from the Old English word strengþian. The base word strength comes from the Old English strengþu, which has Germanic origins.

Derivatives

• Strengthener
• Strengthening
• Overstrengthen
• Unstrengthened
• Restrengthen

Synonyms

• Fortify
• Reinforce
• Bolster

Antonyms

• Weaken
• Undermine
• Debilitate

Usage

The term "strengthen" is widely used across various domains including physical fitness, construction, personal development, and in broader contexts pertaining to improving or augmenting any aspect or characteristic. It encapsulates a positive augmentation, indicating a transition from a weaker to a stronger state.

Related Terms

• Fortify
• Empower
• Enhance
• Augment
• Reinforce

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Making Stronger: Making someone or something stronger, more powerful, more firm or stable in structure.
• Example: They need to strengthen the foundation to prevent any future collapse.

• Increase in Intensity or Extent: To make an emotion, belief, or reaction stronger or more intense.
• Example: The incident only served to strengthen her resolve.

• Intensify: Increase the strength or power of (an action, argument, etc.).
• Example: They sought to strengthen their position in the negotiations.