strengthen

strength|en [ `streŋθən ] verb **

▸ 1 make body strong

▸ 2 make something stronger

▸ 3 about feeling, etc.

▸ 4 about organization, etc.

▸ 5 give support to argument

▸ 6 increase value of money

▸ 7 about wind/current

1. ) transitive to make your body physically stronger or more healthy:

Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart.

a ) intransitive to become physically stronger:

Doctors say his injured shoulder will take time to strengthen.

2. ) transitive to make something stronger so that it will take more weight or force without breaking:

The bridge will need to be strengthened.

3. ) transitive to make a feeling, decision, relationship, etc. stronger or more powerful:

Her objections only strengthened my resolve to open my own business.

a ) intransitive to become stronger or more powerful:

a sense of community that has strengthened over time

4. ) transitive to make an organization, business, army, etc. more powerful, successful, or effective:

The secretary will discuss strengthening the U.N. force.

programs aimed at strengthening local economies

a ) to make a law or punishment stronger:

Congress debated strengthening the Clean Air Act.

5. ) transitive to give support to a position or argument:

New forensic evidence strengthens Wilkins' case for an appeal.

6. ) intransitive or transitive to increase the value of the money of a country:

The appointment of a new premier in Italy helped strengthen the lira.

The dollar continues to strengthen against the yen.

7. ) intransitive if the wind or a current strengthens, it becomes faster or more powerful:

The gale continued to strengthen throughout the night.