strength

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the property of being physically or mentally strong

   Fatigue sapped their strength.

2. 2
   noun

   the power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty

   The strength of the argument settled the matter.

3. 3
   noun

   capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war

   we faced an army of great strength

4. 4
   noun

   the condition of financial success

   the strength of the company's stock in recent weeks

5. 5
   noun

   The quality or degree of being strong.

   It requires great strength to lift heavy objects.

6. 6
   noun

   The intensity of a force or power; potency.

   He had the strength of ten men.

7. 7
   noun

   The strongest part of something; that on which confidence or reliance is based.

   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

8. 8
   noun

   A positive attribute.

   to play to one's strengths

Etymology

From Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengþu (“strength”), from Proto-West Germanic *strangiþu (“strongness; strength”), equivalent to strong + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with Dutch strengte (“strength”), German Low German Strengde, Strengte (“harshness; rigidity; strictness; severity”).