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 verb1: 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