strength
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
612. Strength (See also Brawniness.)
- acorn heraldic symbol of strength. [Heraldry: Jobes, 27]
- Atlas Titan condemned to bear heavens on shoulders. [Gk. Myth.: Walsh Classical, 38]
- Atlas, Charles (1892–1972) 20th-century strongman; went from “98-pound weakling” to “world’s strongest man.” [Am. Sports: Amory, 38–39]
- Babe Paul Bunyan’s blue ox; straightens roads by pulling them. [Am. Lit.: Fisher, 270]
- Bionic Man superman of the technological age. [TV: “The Six Million Dollar Man” in Terrace, II: 294–295]
- buffalo heraldic symbol of power. [Heraldry: Halberts, 21]
- Bunyan, Paul legendary woodsman of prodigious strength. [Am. Folklore: Paul Bunyan ]
- Cyclopes one-eyed giants; builders of fortifications. [Gk. Myth.: Avery, 346]
- Hercules his twelve labors revealed his godlike powers. [Rom. Myth.: Howe, 122]
- Katinka, the Powerful a female Man Mountain Dean. [Am. Comics: “Toonerville Folks” in Horn, 668]
- Little John oak of a man in Robin Hood’s band. [Br. Lit.: Robin Hood ]
- meginjardir Thor’s belt; doubled his power. [Norse Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 1076]
- Milo of Croton renowned athlete. [Gk. Myth.: Hall, 209]
- 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]
- Samson possessed extraordinary might which derived from hair. [O.T.: Judges 16:17]
- Superman caped superhero and modern-day Hercules. [Comics: Horn, 642–643]
Strife (See DISCORD .)
Stubbornness (See OBSTINACY .)
strength
See also tower of strength, union is strength.