1. 巩固(地位);增强，加强(实力)
    If something strengthens a person or group or if they strengthen their position, they become more powerful and secure, or more likely to succeed.

    e.g. ...the new constitution, which strengthens the government and enables it to balance and check the powers of parliament and president...
           巩固了政府的地位并使其能够制衡国会和总统权力的新宪法
    e.g. To strengthen his position in Parliament, he held talks with leaders of the Peasant Party...
           为巩固其在国会中的地位，他曾与农民党的领导人进行多次会谈。

2. 支持，强化(论点或论据);使更有说服力
    If something strengthens a case or argument, it supports it by providing more reasons or evidence for it.

strengthen

    e.g. He does not seem to be familiar with research which might have strengthened his own arguments.
           他对那些本可以为他的观点提供佐证的研究似乎并不熟悉。

3. (使)(经济、工业)坚挺，壮大;(使)(货币)升值
    If a currency, economy, or industry strengthens, or if something strengthens it, it increases in value or becomes more successful.

    e.g. The dollar strengthened against most other currencies...
           美元相对大多数其他货币都升值了。
    e.g. If the Government wants to save the Pound it should start by strengthening the British economy.
           如果政府想让英镑保值，那么首先就应该加强英国的经济。

4. 加强，加大(法律、措施)的力度;(使)变得更严格
    If a government strengthens laws or measures or if they strengthen, they are made more severe.

strengthen

    e.g. I am also looking urgently at how we can strengthen the law...
           我也在急切地关注我们该如何加强法制。
    e.g. Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers...
           社区领导想要加强对小区外围的管理。

5. 增强(决心或毅力);使更具信心;使更加坚定
    If something strengthens you or strengthens your resolve or character, it makes you more confident and determined.

strengthen

    e.g. Any experience can teach and strengthen you, but particularly the more difficult ones...
           任何经历都能使你从中受益并让你变得坚强，而那些比较艰难的经历尤其如此。
    e.g. This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league...
           这只会更加坚定我们赢得联赛的决心。

6. 增进(关系或联系);(使)变得更紧密
    If something strengthens a relationship or link, or if a relationship or link strengthens, it makes it closer and more likely to last for a long time.

    e.g. It will draw you closer together, and it will strengthen the bond of your relationship...
           这将使你们走得更近，并将增进你们之间的关系。
    e.g. His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries...
           他此次访问旨在增进两国间的关系。

7. 加强，加深(印象、感情、信念);(使)变得比较深刻;(使)坚定
    If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens, it becomes greater or affects more people.

    e.g. His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization...
           他的演讲让人更加确信他才是该组织的主心骨。
    e.g. Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism...
           每天晒太阳让人心情更加开朗。

8. 增强(体质);使强健
    If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things.

    e.g. Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body...
           骑自行车是一项不错的锻炼方式。它能使身体各部分的肌肉更强健。
    e.g. Yoga can be used to strengthen the immune system.
           瑜伽能增强人体免疫系统。

9. 加强，加固(物体或结构)
    If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed.

    e.g. The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.
           施工人员将不得不另外用木料加固现有的托梁。

10. (风、水流等)增大，增强
    If the wind, current, or other force strengthens, it becomes faster or more powerful.

    e.g. As it strengthened the wind was veering southerly...
           风越刮越大，逐渐转为南风。
    e.g. There was a short sharp shower followed by a strengthening breeze.
           一场短时强阵雨后风势渐长。