Main Entry: re·in·force

Variant(s): also re·en·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\

Function: verb

Etymology: re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

Date: 1567

transitive verb 1 : to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced <reinforce levees> <reinforce the elbows of a jacket> <reinforce ideas>
2 : to strengthen or increase by fresh additions <reinforce our troops> <were reinforcing their pitching staff>
3 : to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) with a reinforcer; also : to encourage (a response) with a reinforcerintransitive verb : to seek or get reinforcements

— re·in·force·able \-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective