fortified

adjective

for·​ti·​fied ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfīd How to pronounce fortified (audio)
1
: made stronger or more secure
a fortified city
fortified bridges
2
: improved or enhanced through the addition of one or more ingredients: such as
a
: having the alcohol content increased by the addition of distilled grape spirits during fermentation
Since Port is a fortified wine, it is fermented to about 5 percent alcohol, then brandy is added to arrive at a level of 20 percent alcohol.James Suckling
b
: enriched (as with vitamins or minerals) so that nutritional value is improved
fortified milk

Examples of fortified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ministry is in a fortified compound near Darul Aman Palace in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Time, 18 Aug. 2023 Tarawa was one of the most fortified atolls America would invade in the Pacific during the war. Natasha Frost Maud Bodoukian Meyrant, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023 Drinks that include only spirits, liqueurs and fortified wines are going to be stable for longer. M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 Natural resources like clean water have been depleted, social upheaval and mob violence have driven residents with means into fortified compounds and abject poverty leads some to take extreme measures just to secure the basic necessities of life. Tyrone Beason, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 The nutty and decadent aromas of the fortified wine bring warmth and complexity to the uncomplicated delight of a pillowy cloud of rich chocolate. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 On the other side of a metal railing, the wake from passing ferries lapped at New York’s fortified shoreline. Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2023 Consuming foods rich in iron such as red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals can provide a natural source of this essential mineral. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 But in April of last year, a segment of the fortified town’s southern perimeter wall suffered collapses—and the site was forced to close. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortified was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near fortified

Cite this Entry

“Fortified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortified. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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