First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
strong
adjective \ˈstrȯŋ\
: having great physical power and ability : having a lot of strength
: not easy to break or damage
: not sick or injured
stron·ger \ˈstrȯŋ-gər also -ər\ stron·gest \ˈstrȯŋ-gəst also -əst\
Full Definition of STRONG
1
: having or marked by great physical power
2
: having moral or intellectual power
3
: having great resources (as of wealth or talent)
4
: of a specified number <an army ten thousand strong>
5
a : striking or superior of its kind <a strong resemblance> b : effective or efficient especially in a specified direction <strong on watching other people work — A. Alvarez>
7
8
obsolete : flagrant
9
: moving with rapidity or force <a strong wind>
11
a : not easily injured or disturbed : solid b : not easily subdued or taken <a strong fort>
12
: well established : firm <strong beliefs>
13
: not easily upset or nauseated <a strong stomach>
14
: having an offensive or intense odor or flavor : rank <strong breath>
15
: tending to steady or higher prices <a strong market>
16
: of, relating to, or being a verb that is inflected by a change in the root vowel (as strive, strove, striven) rather than by regular affixation
— strong adverb
— strong·ish \ˈstrȯŋ-ish\ adjective
— strong·ly \ˈstrȯŋ-lē\ adverb
See strong defined for English-language learners
See strong defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of STRONG
Middle English, from Old English strang; akin to Old High German strengi strong, Latin stringere to bind tight — more at strain
Related to STRONG
Synonym Discussion of STRONG
strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious mean showing power to resist or to endure. strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources <strong arms> <the defense has a strong case>. stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way <stout hiking boots>. sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction <a sturdy table> <people of sturdy independence>. stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability <stalwart environmentalists>. tough implies great firmness and resiliency <a tough political opponent>. tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together <tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life>.
STRONGISH Defined for Kids
strong
adjective \ˈstrȯŋ\
stron·ger \ˈstrȯŋ-gər\stron·gest \ˈstrȯŋ-gəst\
Definition of STRONG for Kids
1
: having great power in the muscles
2
: healthy 1 <She's young and strong.>
3
: not easy to injure, overcome, or resist : solid <a strong bridge> <a strong opponent> <a strong urge>
4
: enthusiastic, zealous <a strong supporter>
5
: moving with speed and force <a strong wind>
6
: having much of some quality : intense <strong coffee> <strong light>
7
: having a great deal of power <a strong nation>
8
: of a specified number <an army 10,000 strong>
9
: persuasive <strong arguments>
10
: well established : firm <strong beliefs> <strong traditions>
11
: having a powerful action or effect <strong medicine> <strong discipline>
12
: very noticeable <a strong resemblance>
— strong·ly \ˈstrȯŋ-lē\ adverb
Synonym Discussion of STRONG
strong, sturdy, and tough mean showing the power to endure opposing force. strong is used of great physical or material power. <A strong person with a strong rope is needed to lift that.> sturdy is used for the ability to endure pressure or hard use. <The table is old but sturdy.> tough means that something is very firm and able to stay together. <Tough fabric lasts for years.>
Learn More About STRONG
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: strong anthropic principlePrevious Word in the Dictionary: strömmingAll Words Near: strong
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up strong? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).