v. Function: verb
1
Synonyms: ENCOURAGE 1, animate, cheer, chirk (up), embolden, enhearten, hearten, inspirit, nerve, steel
2 to make strong or stronger FF1C; exercise is needed to strengthen the body FF1E;
Synonyms: energize, fortify, invigorate, reinforce
Related Words: 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