fortification

American  

[fawr-tuh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌfɔr tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of fortifying or strengthening.

2. something that fortifies or protects.

3. the art or science of constructing defensive military works.

4. Often fortifications. military works constructed for the purpose of strengthening a position; a fort.

   Supposedly impregnable, the fortifications were quickly overrun.

   Synonyms:

   bulwark, stronghold, citadel, fortress

5. a strengthening or improvement, as by addition of or intensification with another ingredient.

   the fortification of milk with vitamin D; the fortification of wine with alcohol.

---

fortification British  

/ ˌfɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act, art, or science of fortifying or strengthening

2. 1. a wall, mound, etc, used to fortify a place

   2. such works collectively

3. any place that can be militarily defended

---

Other Word Forms

• nonfortification noun
• refortification noun

Etymology

Origin of fortification

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin fortificātiōn- (stem of fortificātiō ), equivalent to fortificāt ( us ) fortified ( fortify, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

While they are often described as providing "empty calories," the study found they can meet micronutrient needs, largely because of vitamin fortification.

From Science Daily

Leonardo, together with his cousin Enzo da Vinci, the finest stonemason in the world, were hailed as the greatest architects of their day; experts in the building of the most sophisticated fortifications and city walls.

From Literature

Both sides have been manoeuvring around these positions all year, trying to reinforce roads access and fortifications around them.

From BBC

The allegation is that Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and other key ministers and officials received payments from contractors building fortifications against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

From BBC

“Hamas’s internal fortifications, they remain as they were,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barricade
• citadel
• fortress
• reinforcement