Top 40 Slang For Strengthen – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the idea of getting stronger, there’s more to it than just hitting the gym. We’ve scoured the English language to bring you a curated list of slang words and phrases that capture the essence of strength and empower you to take on any challenge. From flexing to leveling up, this listicle will have you feeling like a powerhouse in no time. Get ready to add some muscle to your vocabulary!

1. Amp up

To “amp up” means to enhance or intensify something, often by increasing its power or energy.

For example, “I need to amp up my workout routine to build more muscle.”
A person might say, “Let’s amp up the volume on the music to get the party started.”
In a work setting, a manager might encourage their team to “amp up their productivity” to meet a deadline.

2. Beef up

To “beef up” means to make something stronger, usually by adding more substance or power to it.

For instance, “I need to beef up my resume before applying for the job.”
A person might say, “I’m going to beef up my security measures to protect my online accounts.”
In a sports context, a coach might advise their team to “beef up their defense” to improve their chances of winning.

3. Bulk up

To “bulk up” refers to the process of gaining muscle mass or size through weightlifting and proper nutrition.

For example, “He’s been hitting the gym hard to bulk up for the bodybuilding competition.”
A person might say, “I want to bulk up my arms for the summer.”
In a fitness conversation, someone might ask for advice on how to “bulk up without gaining too much fat.”

4. Fortify

To “fortify” means to strengthen or reinforce something, often for the purpose of making it more resistant to damage or attack.

For instance, “The city fortified its defenses in preparation for the hurricane.”
A person might say, “I need to fortify my immune system to avoid getting sick.”
In a security context, a company might hire experts to “fortify their network” against cyber threats.

5. Power up

To “power up” means to increase the power or energy of something, often by supplying it with more electricity or fuel.

For example, “I need to power up my laptop before it dies.”
A person might say, “I’m going to power up my phone so I have enough battery for the day.”
In a gaming context, a player might collect power-ups to “power up” their character and gain an advantage.

6. Reinforce

To strengthen or support something, often by adding additional material or resources. “Reinforce” can also refer to making something more resistant to damage or wear.

For example, a construction worker might say, “We need to reinforce this wall before it collapses.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “I’m taking steps to reinforce my self-confidence.”
A coach might tell their team, “We need to reinforce our defensive strategy to stop the opposing team’s offense.”

7. Toughen up

To become stronger or more resilient, often in response to challenges or adversity. “Toughen up” can also mean to make something more durable or resistant to damage.

For instance, a parent might tell their child, “You need to toughen up and learn to handle criticism.”
In a conversation about physical fitness, someone might say, “I’ve been working out to toughen up my muscles.”
A coach might encourage their team, “We need to toughen up mentally to overcome our opponents.”

8. Boost

To increase or enhance something, often by adding more of it or making it more intense. “Boost” can also refer to giving someone or something a lift or helping them to excel.

For example, a person might say, “I drink coffee in the morning to boost my energy.”
In a discussion about sales, someone might say, “We need to boost our marketing efforts to increase revenue.”
A coach might tell their athlete, “You’re doing great, but we need to boost your performance to win the competition.”

9. Enhance

To make something better or more valuable, often by adding features or making it more attractive or effective. “Enhance” can also refer to intensifying or amplifying something.

For instance, a photographer might use editing software to enhance the colors in a photo.
In a conversation about skincare, someone might say, “This serum will enhance your skin’s natural glow.”
A teacher might tell their students, “Reading books will enhance your vocabulary and language skills.”

10. Intensify

To make something stronger, more extreme, or more intense. “Intensify” can also refer to increasing the force or power of something.

For example, a storm might intensify and bring heavy rain and strong winds.
In a discussion about emotions, someone might say, “The argument only served to intensify their anger.”
A coach might say to their team, “We need to intensify our training to prepare for the upcoming competition.”

11. Strengthen

To make something stronger or more powerful. This term is often used in reference to physical strength or improving a skill.

For example, a fitness trainer might say, “If you want to build muscle, you need to beef up your workouts.”
A coach might encourage their team by saying, “Let’s beef up our defense for the next game.”
In a conversation about personal development, someone might say, “I’m working on beefing up my public speaking skills.”

12. Ameliorate

To improve or make something better, especially a situation or condition. This term is often used to describe the process of making something more favorable or positive.

For instance, a social worker might say, “Our goal is to ameliorate the living conditions of underprivileged communities.”
In a discussion about workplace culture, someone might suggest, “We need to ameliorate the communication between departments.”
A friend might offer advice by saying, “If you want to ameliorate your relationship, try expressing your feelings more openly.”

13. Empower

To give someone the power or authority to do something or to make them feel confident and in control. This term is often used in the context of promoting self-confidence and autonomy.

For example, a motivational speaker might say, “You have the power to empower yourself and achieve your goals.”
A teacher might encourage their students by saying, “Education can empower you to create a better future.”
In a discussion about women’s rights, someone might argue, “We need to empower women to take on leadership roles.”

14. Invigorate

To give energy or vitality to something or someone. This term is often used to describe the process of revitalizing or rejuvenating.

For instance, a cup of coffee might invigorate someone in the morning and help them feel more awake.
A music concert might invigorate the audience and create a sense of excitement and energy.
In a discussion about creativity, someone might say, “Taking breaks throughout the day can invigorate your mind and improve productivity.”

15. Bolster

To support, strengthen, or reinforce something. This term is often used to describe the action of providing additional assistance or resources.

For example, a company might bolster its marketing efforts by hiring a new advertising agency.
A friend might bolster someone’s confidence by offering words of encouragement before a big presentation.
In a discussion about mental health, someone might suggest, “Seeking professional help can bolster your emotional well-being.”

16. Boost up

To boost up means to increase or improve something. It is often used to describe enhancing or strengthening a particular aspect.

For example, a person might say, “I need to boost up my energy levels before the game.”
In a fitness context, someone might say, “I’m going to boost up my workout routine to build more muscle.”
A manager might instruct their team, “Let’s boost up our productivity to meet the deadline.”

17. Step up

To step up means to take action or make an effort to improve a situation or achieve a desired outcome.

For instance, a person might say, “It’s time to step up and take responsibility for your actions.”
In a work setting, a supervisor might encourage their employees, “Let’s all step up and meet our targets.”
A coach might motivate their team, “We need to step up our game if we want to win.”

18. Up the ante

To up the ante means to increase the level of something, especially in terms of risk or reward. It is often used in situations where a higher level of commitment or investment is required.

For example, in a negotiation, someone might say, “If you want me to consider your offer, you’ll have to up the ante.”
In a game or competition, a player might say, “I’m going to up the ante and play more aggressively.”
A business owner might decide to up the ante by offering additional incentives to attract customers.

19. Amp it up

To amp it up means to increase the intensity or power of something. It is often used to describe making something stronger or more impactful.

For instance, a person might say, “Let’s amp up the music and get the party started.”
In a workout, someone might say, “I’m going to amp up my cardio by adding sprints.”
A speaker might say, “We need to amp up our marketing efforts to reach a wider audience.”

20. Supercharge

To supercharge means to enhance or increase the performance or effectiveness of something. It is often used to describe giving something an extra boost or making it more powerful.

For example, a person might say, “I need to supercharge my studying to improve my grades.”
In a car context, someone might say, “I’m going to supercharge my engine for better acceleration.”
A business might aim to supercharge their sales by implementing new strategies.

21. Build up

When you build up something, you are gradually making it stronger or better. It can refer to physical strength, emotional resilience, or even a business or organization.

For example, “I need to build up my muscles before I can lift heavier weights.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “I’ve been working on building up my self-confidence.”
A manager might discuss a plan to build up the company’s customer base by implementing new marketing strategies.

22. Solidify

To solidify something means to make it stronger, more stable, or more secure. It can refer to relationships, plans, or even abstract concepts.

For instance, “We need to solidify our friendship by spending more time together.”
In a discussion about a business venture, someone might say, “We need to solidify our partnership by signing a formal agreement.”
A coach might encourage their team to solidify their defense by practicing specific strategies.

23. Scale up

When you scale up something, you are increasing its size, capacity, or scope. This can refer to expanding a business, growing a project, or even amplifying a skill or ability.

For example, “We need to scale up production to meet the high demand for our product.”
In a conversation about personal development, someone might say, “I’m scaling up my programming skills by taking advanced courses.”
A manager might discuss plans to scale up the company’s operations by opening new branches or hiring more employees.

24. Harden

To harden something means to make it stronger, more resistant, or tougher. It can refer to physical materials, emotions, or even attitudes.

For instance, “You need to harden your heart and not let their comments affect you.”
In a discussion about construction, someone might say, “We need to harden the concrete by adding more reinforcement.”
A coach might encourage their team to harden their defense by practicing specific drills.

25. Steel

To steel oneself means to mentally prepare for a challenge, difficulty, or unpleasant situation. It involves strengthening one’s resolve, determination, or courage.

For example, “I need to steel myself before giving a presentation to a large audience.”
In a conversation about facing adversity, someone might say, “You have to steel yourself and keep pushing forward.”
A person discussing their approach to difficult situations might say, “I always steel myself and stay focused on finding a solution.”

26. Toughen

To toughen means to make something stronger or more resilient. It can refer to physical strength or mental resilience.

For example, a coach might say, “We need to toughen up our defense if we want to win the game.”
A parent might encourage their child by saying, “You need to toughen up and face your fears.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Going through difficult experiences can toughen you and make you stronger.”

27. Heighten

To heighten means to increase or intensify something, making it stronger or more pronounced.

For instance, a chef might say, “Adding spices can heighten the flavors of the dish.”
In a discussion about emotions, someone might say, “Stress can heighten anxiety.”
A person describing a thrilling experience might say, “The adrenaline rush heightened my senses.”

28. Consolidate

To consolidate means to combine or strengthen something, bringing it together into a more unified or solid state.

For example, a company might consolidate its offices to save costs and improve efficiency.
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Living together can help consolidate a couple’s commitment.”
A person describing their financial goals might say, “I want to consolidate my debts and become more financially stable.”

29. Galvanize

To galvanize means to motivate or inspire action, often by arousing strong emotions or a sense of urgency.

For instance, a powerful speech can galvanize a crowd to take action.
In a discussion about activism, someone might say, “The recent events have galvanized people to fight for change.”
A leader might try to galvanize their team by saying, “We have a challenging goal ahead, but together we can achieve it.”

30. Reinvigorate

To reinvigorate means to revitalize or rejuvenate something, giving it new energy or life.

For example, taking a vacation can reinvigorate a person’s spirit and energy.
In a discussion about a business, someone might say, “We need to reinvigorate our marketing strategy to attract new customers.”
A person describing their fitness journey might say, “Regular exercise has reinvigorated my body and mind.”

31. Amped

To feel excited and energized about something.

For example, “I’m really amped about the upcoming concert.”
A person might say, “I always get amped before a big game.”
Another might exclaim, “That movie trailer has me so amped to see the film!”

32. Energize

To give energy or vitality to something or someone.

For instance, “A good night’s sleep can energize you for the day ahead.”
A person might say, “I need a cup of coffee to energize me in the morning.”
Another might suggest, “Listening to upbeat music can help energize your workout.”

33. Potentiate

To enhance the effectiveness or strength of something.

For example, “Taking a pre-workout supplement can potentiate your workout.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “Proper nutrition can potentiate muscle growth.”
Another might explain, “Stretching before exercise can potentiate your flexibility.”

34. Pump up

To get excited or motivated about something.

For instance, “The crowd’s cheers really pump me up before a performance.”
A person might say, “Listening to energetic music can pump you up for a workout.”
Another might exclaim, “That motivational speech really pumped up the team!”

35. Upgrade

To improve or enhance something, usually by replacing or adding new features.

For example, “I’m planning to upgrade my phone to the latest model.”
A person might say, “Upgrading your computer’s hardware can improve its performance.”
Another might suggest, “Consider upgrading your skills to advance in your career.”

36. Augment

To increase or enhance something. “Augment” is often used to describe the act of making something stronger or more substantial.

For example, a coach might say, “We need to augment our training program to improve our performance.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might suggest, “We should augment our team with more skilled programmers.”
A person trying to improve their diet might say, “I’m going to augment my meals with more vegetables for better nutrition.”

37. Embolden

To give someone confidence or courage. “Embolden” is often used to describe the act of strengthening someone’s resolve or conviction.

For instance, a motivational speaker might say, “I want to embolden you to pursue your dreams.”
In a discussion about social change, someone might argue, “Protests and demonstrations can embolden marginalized communities.”
A teacher might encourage their students by saying, “I hope to embolden you to speak up and share your ideas.”

38. Rally

To come together for a common purpose or cause. “Rally” is often used to describe the act of gathering support or strength.

For example, a political leader might say, “We need to rally our supporters for the upcoming election.”
In a discussion about team sports, someone might say, “A strong captain can rally the team and boost morale.”
A community organizer might encourage their members by saying, “Let’s rally together and make a positive change in our neighborhood.”

39. Inspire

To encourage or stimulate someone to take action or achieve their goals. “Inspire” is often used to describe the act of filling someone with enthusiasm or a sense of purpose.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I hope to inspire my students to love learning.”
In a discussion about art, someone might say, “Great paintings can inspire emotions and spark creativity.”
A leader might inspire their team by saying, “Let’s work together and inspire each other to reach new heights.”

40. Enrich

To improve the quality or value of something. “Enrich” is often used to describe the act of making something more meaningful or beneficial.

For example, a parent might say, “Reading books can enrich a child’s vocabulary and imagination.”
In a discussion about education, someone might argue, “A diverse curriculum can enrich students’ understanding of the world.”
A traveler might share their experiences and say, “Exploring different cultures can enrich your perspective on life.”