Strength"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Strengthened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Strengthening.]
1.
To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; as, to strengthen a limb, a bridge, an army; to strengthen an obligation; to strengthen authority.
Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest, . . .
With powerful policy strengthen themselves.
Shak.
2.
To animate; to encourage; to fix in resolution.
Charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him.
Deut. iii. 28.
Syn. -- To invigorate; confirm; establish; fortify; animate; encourage.
© Webster 1913.
Strength"en (?), v. i.
To grow strong or stronger.
The young disease, that must subdue at length,
Grows with his growth, and strengthens with his strength.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.