reinforce

verb

re·​in·​force ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs How to pronounce reinforce (audio)
variants or less commonly reenforce
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces

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 (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also : to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
reinforceable adjective

Examples of reinforce in a Sentence

The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops. Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter. The levees will need to be reinforced. The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow. Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military. We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web The decor theme of warm tones — reinforced by creamy white walls and maple floors — continues throughout the home’s open-plan living spaces. Leslie Rivera, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024 At that meeting, Mr. Burns and other top national security officials sought to impress upon Mr. Johnson how rapidly Ukraine was running out of ammunition, and how dire the consequences would be if their air defenses were no longer reinforced by American weaponry. Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reinforce 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reinforce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinforce was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reinforce

Cite this Entry

“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

reinforce

verb
re·​in·​force ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs How to pronounce reinforce (audio)
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also : to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer

Medical Definition

reinforce

transitive verb
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also : to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
reinforceable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reinforce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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