fortalecer

Senses

1. 1.

   to strengthen, to fortify

   to make physically or structurally stronger

2. 2.

   to strengthen, to reinforce

   to make emotionally, mentally, or spiritually stronger

3. 3.

   to strengthen, to consolidate

   to make a relationship, position, or institution more solid or powerful

Examples

• "Esses exercícios vão fortalecer seus músculos das pernas."

  These exercises will strengthen your leg muscles.

• "A empresa precisa fortalecer sua presença no mercado internacional."

  The company needs to strengthen its presence in the international market.

• "A experiência difícil fortaleceu nossa amizade."

  The difficult experience strengthened our friendship.

Usage

Regular -er verb. Very common in both literal (physical strength) and figurative contexts (relationships, institutions, economy). Often used reflexively as "fortalecer-se" (to become stronger, to strengthen oneself). Common collocations: fortalecer os músculos, fortalecer a economia, fortalecer laços/vínculos.