reinforce

re·in·force

verb \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\

Definition of REINFORCE

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 reinforcer

intransitive verb

: to seek or get reinforcements

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

Variants of REINFORCE

re·in·force also re·en·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\

Examples of REINFORCE

1. The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
2. Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
3. The levees will need to be reinforced.
4. The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
5. Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
6. We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.

Origin of REINFORCE

re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

First Known Use: 1567

Related to REINFORCE

Synonyms: back, bolster, buttress, corroborate, support (also reenforce), shore (up), substantiate

Related Words: confirm, establish, prove, verify; affirm, avouch, validate

Near Antonyms: undercut, undermine, weaken

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Rhymes with REINFORCE

charley horse, Crazy Horse, cutting horse, harness horse, hobbyhorse, intercourse, minicourse, nonrecourse, outercourse, pommel horse, quarter horse, rocking horse, saddle horse, telecourse, tour de force, Trojan horse, vaulting horse, watercourse