verb
1.
Synonyms: encourage 1, animate, cheer, chirk (up), embolden, enhearten, hearten, inspirit, nerve, steel
2.
to make strong or stronger
exercise is needed to strengthen the body
Synonyms: energize, fortify, invigorate, reinforce
Related Word: brace, support, undergird; anneal, ruggedize, sinew, tone (up), toughen; cheer, embolden, encourage, enhearten, ensteel, hearten, inspirit, nerve, steel
Contrasted words: cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, tear down, undermine; deject, discourage, dishearten, dispirit; emasculate, enervate, unman, unnerve
Antonyms: weaken
3.
Synonyms: gird 3, brace, fortify, prepare, ready, steel
Idioms: gather one's resources, recruit one's strength