a device designed to provide additional strength; "the cardboard backing was just a strengthener"; "he used gummed reinforcements to hold the page in his notebook"
To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; as, to strengthen a limb, a bridge, an army; to strengthen an obligation; to strengthen authority; to fortify; to reinforce
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
To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strenght of; as, to strengthen a limb, a bridge, an army; to strengthen an obligation; to strengthen authority; to fortify; to reinforce
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
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
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
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
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
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
gain strength; "His body strengthened" make strong or stronger; "This exercise will strengthen your upper body"; "strenghten the relations between the two countries
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
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