German word

verstärken

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃtɛɐ̯kən/

Meaning

  • verbstrengthen

Example

Wir verstärken die Sicherheitsmaßnahmen.

We are strengthening the security measures.

Illustration for verstärken (strengthen)

More examples

Nach dem Skandal verstärken sich die Zweifel an der Führung.

After the scandal, doubts about the leadership intensified.

Core concept

A force is backed up or turned up so that it carries greater impact.

Common phrases

  • sich verstärken

    intensify

  • verstärken das Vertrauen

    strengthen the confidence

  • verstärken die Zusammenarbeit

    strengthen cooperation

Similar words

steigern: To boost the degree or outcome of something.
erhöhen: To make an amount or strength greater.
stärken: To build up a person's physical strength or confidence.
intensivieren: To increase the intensity or concentration of an effect or process.

Definition in German

die Kraft, Wirkung oder Intensität von etwas steigern; sowohl transitiv als auch reflexiv verwendbar

Word origin

The verb is a derivation of stärken with the prefix ver-, forming the meaning of making an existing force or effect stronger.

Usage tips

  • Stärken often focuses on making a person or thing strong, whereas verstärken commonly applies to effects, signals, measures, and intensity.

Other meanings

  • reinforceverb
  • boostverb
  • amplifyverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word