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

But in the last decade or so, Americans have come around to the herbaceous charms of these fortified wines—in spritzes, on the rocks—and liquor store shelves are beginning to reflect the kaleidoscopic range the category has to offer. —Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025

Emily Chen, sommelier at La Compagnie Wine Bar in New York’s Flatiron neighborhood, suggests a dessert-style vessel such as Ravenscroft Crystal Scotch snifter for fortified or dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, or Tokaji. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 10 June 2025

Deep into its second season, HBO’s series adaptation of the popular video game remains true to its namesake by sending its protagonist Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and her partner Dina (Isabela Merced) on a revenge mission from their fortified compound in Wyoming to the wilds of Seattle. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

The wages enrich the restaurants, casinos and brothels that make a killing from captive employees who are often confined to fortified compounds. —Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025

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