fortified

adjective

for·​ti·​fied ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfīd 

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 legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going. —Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

After the January 6 attack on the Capitol, the 2021 inauguration of President Biden took place behind fortified perimeters, lined with thousands of National Guard troops. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

Overlooking the São Lourenço estate is the hilltop town of Monserraz, a fortified settlement with an imposing castle and warren of streets to explore, as well as stunning views over the Guadiana river to the Spanish border. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026

Located to the west of Normandy, this understated roughly 25-mile stretch of shoreline runs from the oyster-famous town of Cancale to the dramatic cliffs of Cap Fréhel, encompassing the fortified city of Saint-Malo and quaint seaside villages like Saint-Lunaire—our base for the next several days. —Maddy Odom, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortified

• fortified wine

Rhymes for fortified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified