fortify

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verb for·ti·fy \ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī\

Definition of fortify

fortified

;

fortifying

transitive verb
: to make strong: such asa : to strengthen and secure (a place, such as a town) by forts or batteries a city fortified by high wallsb : to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to fortified by a hearty mealc : to add mental or moral strength to : encourage fortified by prayer fortified by early successesd : to add material to for strengthening or enriching fortified milk
intransitive verb
: to erect fortifications

fortifier

play \ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

See fortify defined for English-language learners

See fortify defined for kids

Examples of fortify in a Sentence

fortify a city against attack
a city fortified by high walls
Support for his theories has been fortified by the results of these experiments.
He took a deep breath to fortify himself before stepping onto the stage.
milk fortified with vitamin D

Recent Examples of fortify from the Web

Still, whatever Sasse’s motivation, a modest bill fortifying the private market is the only thing that could get eight Democratic votes.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Senate Republicans May Have Found Their Health-Care Compromise", 6 July 2017
The Islamic State militants fortified their positions, booby-trapping the 2,500 meters (yards) long Old City wall — or the Rafiqah Wall — to protect their de facto capital.

— sarah el deeb, The Seattle Times, "In Syria’s Raqqa, Old City wall a testament to glorious days", 4 July 2017
This laid the foundation for today's inequitable power structure that's been fortified over hundreds of years, through nuanced laws that criminalize black people at a higher rate than any other demographic in America.

— amber rambharose, Glamour, "How to End Police Brutality? Dismantle Our Racist Power Structure", 29 June 2017
The NBA East, lately terrible, just saw two of its members fortify themselves.

— mark bradley, ajc, "The Hawks can learn from what the 76ers and Celtics have done", 19 June 2017
The proposal would also raise the markup for wholesale sales on liquor and fortified wine from 30 percent to 35 percent.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Alabama ABC Board to vote on 5 percent markup increase", 13 June 2017
It is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals.

— kathy r. byrnes, Cincinnati.com, "Know where chocolate milk comes from? Almost half don’t", 8 June 2017
To help this one foam like real milk for lattes and cortados, Oatly fortifies the beverage with rapeseed oil, which adds fat without the need for stabilizers.

— ashley mason, Bon Appetit, "The 4 Best Non-Dairy Milks Besides Almond", 6 June 2017
IS has been fortifying its positions in Raqqa for months, setting up barriers and hanging sheets of cloth over main streets to provide cover from warplanes.

— bassem mroue, chicagotribune.com, "U.S.-backed Syrian force attacks IS-held capital of Raqqa", 6 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fortify'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Medieval cities were fortified against attack by high walls, and volunteers may fortify a levee against an overflowing river by means of sandbags. Foods can be fortified by adding vitamins, but "fortified wines", such as sherry and port, have brandy (a "stronger" drink) rather than vitamins added to them. By adopting good exercise habits, you can fortify your body against illness. And fortifying needn't always be physical. An author's reputation may be fortified by the success of his new book, or a prosecutor can fortify a case against a suspect by finding more evidence.

Origin and Etymology of fortify

Middle English fortifien, from Anglo-French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis strong

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First Known Use: 15th century

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FORTIFY Defined for English Language Learners

fortify

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verb

Definition of fortify for English Language Learners

: to strengthen (a place) by building military defenses (such as walls, trenches, etc.)
: to make (someone or something) stronger
: to make (yourself) feel stronger or less fearful

FORTIFY Defined for Kids

fortify

play

verb for·ti·fy \ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī\

Definition of fortify for Students

fortified

;

fortifying

1 : to make strong Walls fortified the city against attack. Calcium fortifies bones.
2 : to add material to (something) to strengthen or improve it The cereal was fortified with vitamins.