Third person singular present tense of strengthen; makes or becomes stronger or more powerful.
From Old English 'strengþu' meaning power or force, combined with the suffix '-en' to form a verb. The word evolved through Middle English, maintaining its core meaning of increasing power or durability.
The word 'strengthen' is fascinating because it's one of the few English verbs that can be both transitive (strengthen something) and intransitive (become stronger), making it remarkably versatile. It's also interesting that we use the same word for physical strength, emotional resilience, and even abstract concepts like arguments or relationships.
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