STRENGTHEN

[verb]When something strengthens or is strengthened, it becomes stronger or more effective.They have been strengthening their border defences in preparation for war. [T]Pregnant women can make childbirth easier by doing exercises that help the abdominal muscles to strengthen. [I]The police want tougher laws to strengthen their hand (= give them more power) against drug traffickers. [T]She really ought to strengthen her grip on (= take more control of) the department. [T]His battle against cancer has strengthened his belief in God. [T]The accident strengthens the case for better safety measures at fairgrounds. [T]The devolution of power from central government would help to strengthen local democracy. [T]The bank loan has greatly strengthened our financial position. [T]The economy has been strengthened immeasurably by Japanese investment. [T]More should be done to strengthen industry's links with universities. [T]The organization's aim is to strengthen the cultural ties between Britain and Germany. [T]The new constitution will further strengthen the powers of the president. [T]The violence is self-defeating as it only strengthens the resolve of ordinary people against their campaign. [T]The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to strengthen (= increase in value) against all the European currencies. [I]Most financial experts expect the stock market to strengthen further over the coming months. [I]