verstärken
Translation
to strengthen, to reinforce, to amplify, to intensify
Examples
Wir müssen die Mannschaft verstärken.
We have to strengthen the team.
Der Wind verstärkte sich am Abend.
The wind intensified in the evening.
Kannst du die Musik bitte verstärken?
Can you please turn up the music?
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to strengthen/reinforce (sth.) They reinforced the castle walls.
((sich4)) to intensify, to become stronger The pain has intensified.
Similar Words
Synonyms: intensivieren, steigern, festigen; Antonyms: schwächen, mindern
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ver-' (making something into a state) and the adjective 'stark' (strong). Literally 'to make strong'.
Memory Tips
You can see the word 'stark' (strong) inside 'verstärken'. The prefix 'ver-' turns the adjective 'strong' into the verb 'to make strong'.