strengthen
ˈstrɛŋkθən
verb
Origin
English
strength + -en — The state of being strong plus a verbalizing suffix
Overview
Meaning Now
- To make or become stronger.
- To increase the degree, intensity, or influence of something.
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
strengthenen
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The verb was formed in Middle English by combining the existing noun 'strength' with the causative suffix '-en', a common pattern in English to convert nouns or adjectives into verbs (as in lengthen or brighten).
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*strang-
“tight, strong”
- Old English
strengðu
“strength”
Noun form from which the verb was later derived
- Middle English
strengthenen
“to make strong”
Added causative suffix -en
- Early Modern English
strengthen
“to make strong”
Loss of infinitive ending -en
Connections
Word parts
strength
root
physical power or intensity
-en
suffix
to make or cause to become
Related across languages
German
stärken
to strengthen
Dutch
sterken
to strengthen
Explore next
Related to strengthen
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.