strength‧en W3 / streŋθ ə n, strenθ ə n / 动词

1 feeling/belief/relationship [不及物和及物动词] to become stronger or make something stronger 反义词 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 [及物动词] to make an organization, army etc more powerful, especially by increasing the number or quality of the people in it 反义词 weaken :

The team has been strengthened by the arrival of two new players.

3 financial situation [不及物和及物动词] if the financial situation of a country or company strengthens or is strengthened, it improves or is made to improve 反义词 weaken :

measures to strengthen the economy

4 money [不及物和及物动词] to increase in value, or to increase the value of money 反义词 weaken :

The pound has strengthened against other currencies.

5 body/structure [及物动词] to make something such as your body or a building stronger 反义词 weaken :

Metal supports were added to strengthen the outer walls.

6 proof/reason [及物动词] to help prove something :

Fresh evidence has greatly strengthened the case against him.

7 wind/current [不及物动词] to increase in force :

The wind had strengthened during the night.

COLLOCATIONS

名词

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.