reinforce

[ ree-in-fawrs, -fohrs ]

verb (used with object)

, re·in·forced, re·in·forc·ing.

1. to strengthen with some added piece, support, or material:

   to reinforce a wall.

2. to strengthen (a military force) with additional personnel, ships, or aircraft:

   to reinforce a garrison.

3. to strengthen; make more forcible or effective:

   to reinforce efforts.

4. to augment; increase:

   to reinforce a supply.

5. Psychology. to strengthen the probability of (a response to a given stimulus) by giving or withholding a reward.

noun

1. something that reinforces.
2. a metal band on the rear part of the bore of a gun, where the explosion occurs.

reinforce

/ ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs /

verb

1. to give added strength or support to
2. to give added emphasis to; stress, support, or increase

   his rudeness reinforced my determination

3. to give added support to (a military force) by providing more men, supplies, etc
4. psychol to reward an action or response of (a human or animal) so that it becomes more likely to occur again

Derived Forms

• ˌreinˈforcement, noun

Other Words From

• rein·forcer noun
• self-rein·forcing adjective
• unre·in·forced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reinforce¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

Word History and Origins

Origin of reinforce¹

C17: from obsolete renforce , from French renforcer ; see re- + inforce enforce

Example Sentences

And while the extra designation, the special courts and alternate uniforms all reinforce that these games are supposed to be different, Lakers coach JJ Redick said he thinks his players will have “another day at the office” approach.

From Los Angeles Times

And shortly before the election, the government’s new national security adviser Jonathan Powell wrote that a new administration would need to reinforce the UK’s defence and security “within the bounds allowed by a struggling economy”.

From BBC

It makes Sasaki a dream target for the Dodgers; a gifted, young, cost-controlled arm to reinforce — if not drastically improve — their starting rotation.

From Los Angeles Times

"Anna stood for and fought for equality, for women’s rights, against discrimination including racism, and for a political system to serve the needs of people rather than reinforce historic divisions," they added.

From BBC

The new mobile policy seeks to reinforce what appears to have been a previous order addressed to all stations late last month.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to
• bolster
• boost
• build up
• buttress
• emphasize
• enlarge
• fortify
• increase
• shore up
• stress
• support
• underline