strength

views updated May 18 2018

strength / streng(k)[unvoicedth]; stren[unvoicedth]/ • n. 1. the quality or state of being strong, in particular: ∎  physical power and energy: cycling can help you build up your strength. ∎  the emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult: many people find strength in religion it takes strength of character to admit one needs help. ∎  the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure: they were taking no chances with the strength of the retaining wall. ∎  the influence or power possessed by a person, organization, or country: the political and military strength of European governments. ∎  the degree of intensity of a feeling or belief: street protests demonstrated the strength of feeling against the president. ∎  the cogency of an argument or case: the strength of the argument for property taxation. ∎  the potency, intensity, or speed of a force or natural agency: the wind had markedly increased in strength. ∎  the potency or degree of concentration of a drug, chemical, or drink: it's double the strength of your average beer| the solution comes in two strengths. 2. a good or beneficial quality or attribute of a person or thing: the strengths and weaknesses of their sales and marketing operation his strength was his obsessive single-mindedness. ∎ poetic/lit. a person or thing perceived as a source of mental or emotional support: he was my closest friend, my strength and shield.3. the number of people comprising a group, typically a team or army: the peacetime strength of the army was 415,000. ∎  a number of people required to make such a group complete: we are now more than 100 officers below strength some units will be maintained at full strength while others will rely on reserves | [in comb.] an under-strength side. PHRASES: from strength from a secure or advantageous position: it makes sense to negotiate from strength.go from strength to strength develop or progress with increasing success.in strength in large numbers: security forces were out in strength.on the strength of on the basis or with the justification of: she got into Princeton on the strength of her essays.tower (or pillar) of strength a person who can be relied upon to give a great deal of support and comfort to others.DERIVATIVES: strength·less adj.

Strength

views updated May 17 2018

612. Strength (See also Brawniness.)

  1. acorn heraldic symbol of strength. [Heraldry: Jobes, 27]
  2. Atlas Titan condemned to bear heavens on shoulders. [Gk. Myth.: Walsh Classical, 38]
  3. Atlas, Charles (18921972) 20th-century strongman; went from 98-pound weakling to worlds strongest man. [Am. Sports: Amory, 3839]
  4. Babe Paul Bunyans blue ox; straightens roads by pulling them. [Am. Lit.: Fisher, 270]
  5. Bionic Man superman of the technological age. [TV: The Six Million Dollar Man in Terrace, II: 294295]
  6. buffalo heraldic symbol of power. [Heraldry: Halberts, 21]
  7. Bunyan, Paul legendary woodsman of prodigious strength. [Am. Folklore: Paul Bunyan ]
  8. Cyclopes one-eyed giants; builders of fortifications. [Gk. Myth.: Avery, 346]
  9. Hercules his twelve labors revealed his godlike powers. [Rom. Myth.: Howe, 122]
  10. Katinka, the Powerful a female Man Mountain Dean. [Am. Comics: Toonerville Folks in Horn, 668]
  11. Little John oak of a man in Robin Hoods band. [Br. Lit.: Robin Hood ]
  12. meginjardir Thors belt; doubled his power. [Norse Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 1076]
  13. Milo of Croton renowned athlete. [Gk. Myth.: Hall, 209]
  14. Polydamas huge athlete who killed a fierce lion with his bare hands, stopped a rushing chariot, lifted a mad bull, and died attempting to stop a falling rock. [Gk. Myth.: Benét, 801]
  15. Samson possessed extraordinary might which derived from hair. [O.T.: Judges 16:17]
  16. Superman caped superhero and modern-day Hercules. [Comics: Horn, 642643]

Strife (See DISCORD .)

Stubbornness (See OBSTINACY .)

strength

views updated May 29 2018

strength strength through joy the promotion of physical and cultural recreational activities among working people, from the name of Kraft durch Freude, a movement founded in Germany by the National Socialist Party in 1933.

See also tower of strength, union is strength.

strength

views updated May 17 2018

strength OE. strengðu = OHG. strengida :- Gmc. *straŋʒiþō; see STRONG, -TH1.
Hence strengthen (-EN5) XIII.

Strength

views updated Jun 08 2018

Strength

a body of soldiers; a sufficient number.

Examples : strength of men, 1565; of people, 1500; of troops, 1400.