reinforce

verb

re·​in·​force ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs How to pronounce reinforce (audio)
variants or less commonly
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces

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 (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also : to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
reinforceable adjective

Examples of reinforce in a Sentence

The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops. Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter. The levees will need to be reinforced. The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow. Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military. We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This engagement nurtures emotional closeness and reinforces the bond between partners. 2. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 Permira is expected to support K-Way’s growth across its channels, with a particular emphasis on direct-to-consumer avenues, opening new stores, expanding its product range, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in France and Italy, but also to grow internationally. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024 September was the first month when inflation in the euro zone fell below the ECB’s 2% target since June 2021, marking an end to years of excessive price growth and reinforcing expectations of further rate cuts in the near term. Matt Clinch,sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024 Sandy asks for foods by name and color, helping kids identify and reinforce vocabulary. Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reinforce 

Word History

Etymology

re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinforce was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reinforce

Cite this Entry

“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

reinforce

verb
re·​in·​force ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs How to pronounce reinforce (audio)
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also : to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer

Medical Definition

reinforce

transitive verb
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also : to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
reinforceable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reinforce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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