[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/strengthen/) [dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [S](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/s/) / strengthen # strengthen verb (strengthen, strengthens, strengthened, strengthening) «strengthen» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova. ## Everyday 1. To strengthen something is to make it stronger. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#m1) 2. To strengthen is to become stronger. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#m2) 3. To strengthen a feeling, idea or friendship is to make it firmer or more certain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#m3) ### In the lessons In PE and health it means building muscles: «exercises that strengthen your legs». In design and technology a bridge or a frame is strengthened with extra supports, like triangles. In everyday life friendships and teams are strengthened. In stories wind or storms «strengthen». In money talk a currency strengthens when it becomes worth more. ### Examples - Swimming strengthens your arms and legs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x1) - We strengthened the paper bridge with triangles. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x2) - The wind strengthened during the night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x3) - Working together strengthened our friendship. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x4) - Milk helps to strengthen bones and teeth. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x5) - The builders strengthened the old wall with steel bars. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x6) - Her kind words strengthened my courage. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x7) - The new evidence strengthened the detective's idea. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x8) - You must be needing something to strengthen you after that turn.’ [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/#x9) ### Note Spelling: strength + en (the «g» and «th» both stay). Opposite: «weaken». «Strengthen» can take an object («strengthen the wall») or not («the wind strengthened»). Noun: strength. ## In Jewish tradition To strengthen is to make strong, whether a body, a hand, a king's rule or a person's spirit. The prophets use "weak hands" and "tottering knees" as a picture of people who are tired or afraid. **Interpretation.** God told Moses to strengthen Joshua, who would lead the people into the land after him. Tradition sees this as a handing on of leadership from one generation to the next. Isaiah's words are read as a call to comfort and encourage the discouraged, which the rabbis count as an act of kindness. ### Examples - And one told Jacob, and said: 'Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee.' And Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed. (Torah GEN.48.2, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/#x1) - But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.' (Torah DEU.3.28, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/#x2) - Strengthen ye the weak hands, and make firm the tottering knees. (Prophets ISA.35.3, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/#x3) - Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. (Writings JOB.4.3, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/#x4) - And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. (Writings 2CH.17.1, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/#x5) ### Note Spelling: strength + en (the «g» and «th» both stay). Opposite: «weaken». «Strengthen» can take an object («strengthen the wall») or not («the wind strengthened»). Noun: strength. ## On Mova - [Trees and pragmatics of «strengthen» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/strengthen/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames. - [«strengthen» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/strengthen.html) on Mova free. - [Trees and pragmatics of «strengthen» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/strengthen/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames. - [«strengthen» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/strengthen.html) on Mova free.