strengthen

strength|en

W3 [ˈstreŋθən, ˈstrenθən] v

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1¦(feeling/belief/relationship)¦

2¦(team/army etc)¦

3¦(financial situation)¦

4¦(money)¦

5¦(body/structure)¦

6¦(proof/reason)¦

7¦(wind/current)¦

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1.) ¦(FEELING/BELIEF/RELATIONSHIP)¦ [I and T]

to become stronger or make something stronger

≠ ↑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)¦ [T]

to make an organization, army etc more powerful, especially by increasing the number or quality of the people in it

≠ ↑weaken

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

3.) ¦(FINANCIAL SITUATION)¦ [T]

if the financial situation of a country or company strengthens or is strengthened, it improves or is made to improve

≠ ↑weaken

▪ measures to strengthen the economy

4.) ¦(MONEY)¦ [I and T]

to increase in value, or to increase the value of money

≠ ↑weaken

▪ The pound has strengthened against other currencies.

5.) ¦(BODY/STRUCTURE)¦ [T]

to make something such as your body or a building stronger

≠ ↑weaken

▪ Metal supports were added to strengthen the outer walls.

6.) ¦(PROOF/REASON)¦ [T]

to help prove something

▪ Fresh evidence has greatly strengthened the case against him.

7.) ¦(WIND/CURRENT)¦ [I]

to increase in force

▪ The wind had strengthened during the night.