strengthen

renforcer, fortifier

Rendre quelqu’un ou quelque chose plus fort ou plus résistant aux dommages et aux difficultés.

En anglais simple : To make someone or something stronger or better able to resist damage or difficulty.

• These exercises strengthen your legs.
• They strengthened the bridge with steel.
• Working together has strengthened our friendship.

Synonymes : reinforce, fortify

Contraires : weaken

Expressions courantes : strengthen muscles, strengthen ties, strengthen a wall, strengthen an argument

se renforcer, se fortifier

Gagner en force, en puissance ou en efficacité.

En anglais simple : To become stronger, more powerful, or more effective.

• The wind began to strengthen.
• The economy strengthened during the summer.
• Their confidence is strengthening with every success.

Synonymes : grow stronger, improve

Contraires : weaken

Expressions courantes : wind strengthen, economy strengthen

réconforter, encourager

Donner à quelqu’un du courage ou de l’espoir pour affronter une difficulté.

En anglais simple : To give someone courage or hope to face something difficult.

• Her kind words strengthened me.
• His friends strengthened him during those lonely months.
• The letter strengthened her resolve to continue.

Synonymes : encourage, hearten, embolden

Contraires : discourage

Expressions courantes : strengthen someone, strengthen someone’s resolve