kräftigen
Translation
to strengthen, to invigorate, to fortify
Examples
Sport kräftigt den Körper.
Sports strengthen the body.
Die Suppe soll den Kranken kräftigen.
The soup is supposed to strengthen the sick person.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to strengthen sth./sb. Diese Übung kräftigt die Muskeln.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stärken (to strengthen), festigen (to solidify); Antonyms: schwächen (to weaken)
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'Kraft' (strength, power). The verb is formed from the adjective 'kräftig' (strong).
Memory Tips
You can see the word 'Kraft' (strength) inside 'kräftigen'. The verb literally means 'to give strength'.