reinforce

English

Alternative forms

• re-enforce, reenforce

Etymology

re- +‎ inforce

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔː(ɹ)s/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)s
• Homophone: reenforce

Verb

reinforce (third-person singular simple present reinforces, present participle reinforcing, simple past and past participle reinforced)

2. (transitive) To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

   He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape.

   • Strengthen definition

     To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify. (1 of 6 strengthen definitions)

   • Addition definition

     The act of adding anything. (1 of 6 addition definitions)

   • Augment definition

     To increase; to make larger or supplement. (1 of 5 augment definitions)
3. (transitive) To emphasize or review.

   The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!

   • 2021 February 24, Greg Morse, “Great Heck: a tragic chain of events”, in RAIL, number 925, page 42:

     The accident was also one of several since Clapham [...] that demonstrated the role of breakable windows in the death toll. RSSB research would later confirm and reinforce the need for laminated glass to protect passengers and increase survivability.

   • Emphasize definition

     To stress, give emphasis or extra weight to (something).

   • Review definition

     A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights. (1 of 8 review definitions)
4. (transitive) To encourage (a behavior or idea) through repeated stimulus.

   Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies.

   • Encourage definition

     To mentally support; to motivate, give courage, hope or spirit. (1 of 3 encourage definitions)

Synonyms

• (strengthen): strengthen, augment, fortify, buttress, bolster, line
• (emphasize): emphasize, review, repeat
• (encourage): encourage, reward, instruct, teach, learn

Translations

Anagrams

• confrerie