strength ‧ en W3 /ˈstreŋθ ə n, ˈstrenθ ə n/ BrE AmE verb
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ strengthen ; noun : ↑ strength ; adverb : ↑ strongly ; adjective : ↑ strong ]
1 . FEELING/BELIEF/RELATIONSHIP [intransitive and transitive] to become stronger or make something stronger OPP weaken :
Our friendship has steadily strengthened over the years.
Steve’s opposition only strengthened her resolve to go ahead.
strengthen sth’s ties/bonds/links etc
The university hopes to strengthen its ties with the local community.
The company plans to strengthen its hand (=make itself more powerful) in Europe by opening an office in Spain.
2 . TEAM/ARMY ETC [transitive] to make an organization, army etc more powerful, especially by increasing the number or quality of the people in it OPP weaken :
The team has been strengthened by the arrival of two new players.
3 . FINANCIAL SITUATION [intransitive and transitive] if the financial situation of a country or company strengthens or is strengthened, it improves or is made to improve OPP weaken :
measures to strengthen the economy
4 . MONEY [intransitive and transitive] to increase in value, or to increase the value of money OPP weaken :
The pound has strengthened against other currencies.
5 . BODY/STRUCTURE [transitive] to make something such as your body or a building stronger OPP weaken :
Metal supports were added to strengthen the outer walls.
6 . PROOF/REASON [transitive] to help prove something:
Fresh evidence has greatly strengthened the case against him.
7 . WIND/CURRENT [intransitive] to increase in force:
The wind had strengthened during the night.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ strengthen somebody's position
They have strengthened their position by their performance in the recent local elections.
▪ strengthen somebody's hand (=make them more powerful)
The controversy has strengthened the hand of her critics.
▪ strengthen somebody's resolve (=make them more determined)
Other people's doubts only strengthened my resolve to start my own business.
▪ strengthen ties/bonds/links
He wants to strengthen ties with the West.
▪ strengthen a relationship
Having counselling is a very positive step which could strengthen your relationship.
▪ strengthen the role of somebody/something
A presidential decree strengthened the role of the Security Council.