Reinforce

Definition

Reinforce means to strengthen or support, especially with additional materials or personnel.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriːɪnˈfɔrs/
• Respelling: REE-in-forss (with "REE" as in "see," "in" as a quick, soft sound, and "forss" as in "force")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriːɪnˈfɔːs/
• Respelling: REE-in-foss (with "REE" as in "see," "in" as a quick, soft sound, and "foss" reflecting the non-rhotic pronunciation without the pronounced "r")

This distinction highlights the rhotic (pronouncing the "r") nature of American English versus the non-rhotic (not pronouncing the "r") nature of many British English accents, especially in the final position of words where the "r" follows a vowel.

Etymology

The term "reinforce" comes from the Middle French word "renforcier," which combines "re-" (meaning again) with "enforcier" (meaning to force, or to strengthen). Its use in English dates back to the 15th century.

Derivatives

• Reinforcement: The action or process of reinforcing or being reinforced.
• Reinforcer: A person or thing that reinforces.
• Reinforced: Strengthened, especially with an additional material or substance.
• Reinforceable: Capable of being reinforced.
• Non-reinforced: Not supported or strengthened.

Synonyms

• Bolster
• Fortify
• Amplify

Antonyms

• Weaken
• Undermine
• Debilitate

Usage

Example: "The concrete walls were reinforced with steel bars to increase their strength."

Related Terms

• Support: To bear or hold up.
• Strengthen: Make or become stronger.
• Augment: To make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense.

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To make stronger with new materials or support:
• Example: "The old bridge was reinforced with steel beams to ensure its stability."

• To strengthen (a group of people) with new supplies or more people:
• Example: "They sent in more troops to reinforce the battalion."

• To emphasize or support an idea or a feeling:
• Example: "The coach reinforced the importance of teamwork during the halftime talk."