Meaning of strengthen In English

• 0 to make something stronger or more effective, or to become stronger or more effective:

  • They have been strengthening their border defences in preparation for war.

  • His battle against cancer has strengthened his belief in God.

  • The accident strengthens the case for better safety measures at fairgrounds.

  • The bank loan has greatly strengthened our financial position.

  • The organization's aim is to strengthen the cultural ties between Britain and Germany.

  • The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to strengthen (= increase in value) against all the Asian currencies.

• 1 to become more effective, or to make something more effective:

  • [ T ] Somehow his illness strengthened their marriage and brought them closer together.

  • [ T ] Parents can strengthen ties with their children.

• 2 to become more powerful or more difficult to break, or to make something stronger:

  • [ T ] If something isn’t done to strengthen the railroad bridge, it may collapse.

  • [ I ] The tone of her voice strengthened suddenly.

  • [ T ] Exercise will strengthen your legs.

• 3 to make something more effective or powerful:

  • A discussion paper aiming to strengthen the EU's competition regime has been circulated amongst commissioners.

  • Research and development expenses amounted to €76m in the first six months, reflecting the company's desire to further strengthen its technological leadership.

  • Recent efforts have been made to strengthen the role of outside directors.

  • strengthen your position/performance/control Mobile operators need to strengthen their control over revenue and profit.

  • strengthen laws/regulations/mechanisms The Oil Conservation Division is in the process of trying to strengthen regulations over oil waste pits.

• 4 if the financial position of a company, economy, etc. strengthens, or if something strengthens it, it improves:

  • Proceeds of the sale will be used to pay off existing debt in order to strengthen the balance sheet.

  • Year-on-year GDP growth continued to strengthen in the first quarter.

  • be strengthened (by sth) Their market position has been strengthened by the purchase of their main US rival.

• 5 if a currency strengthens, or if something strengthens it, it increases in value compared to other currencies:

  • The euro strengthened against the dollar.

  • a strengthening dollar/euro/yen, etc.

• 6 to improve someone's chances of success:

  • A deal with JFK airport would strengthen our hand in winning more overseas contracts.