transcription, транскрипция: [ streŋθ(ə)n ]
( strengthens, strengthening, strengthened)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If something strengthens a person or group or if they strengthen their position, they become more powerful and secure, or more likely to succeed.
...the new constitution, which strengthens the government and enables it to balance and check the powers of parliament and president...
He hoped to strengthen the position of the sciences in the leading universities.
VERB : V n , V n
2.
If something strengthens a case or argument, it supports it by providing more reasons or evidence for it.
He does not seem to be familiar with research which might have strengthened his own arguments.
= reinforce
VERB : V n
3.
If a currency, economy, or industry strengthens , or if something strengthens it, it increases in value or becomes more successful.
The dollar strengthened against most other currencies...
If the Government wants to save the Pound it should start by strengthening the British economy.
≠ weaken
VERB : V , V n
4.
If a government strengthens laws or measures or if they strengthen , they are made more severe.
I am also looking urgently at how we can strengthen the law...
Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers...
Because of the war, security procedures have strengthened.
VERB : V n , V n , V
5.
If something strengthens you or strengthens your resolve or character, it makes you more confident and determined.
Any experience can teach and strengthen you, but particularly the more difficult ones...
This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league...
≠ weaken
VERB : V n , V n
6.
If something strengthens a relationship or link, or if a relationship or link strengthens , it makes it closer and more likely to last for a long time.
His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries...
In a strange way, his affair caused our relationship to strengthen.
VERB : V n , V
7.
If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens , it becomes greater or affects more people.
His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization...
Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism...
Amy’s own Republican sympathies strengthened as the days passed.
= deepen
VERB : V n , V n , V
8.
If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things.
Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body...
VERB : V n
9.
If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed.
The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.
= reinforce
VERB : V n