fortify
[ fawr-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈfɔr təˌfaɪ /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object), for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.
verb (used without object), for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.
to set up defensive works; erect fortifications.
SYNONYMS FOR fortify
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 12
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Origin of fortify
1400–50; late Middle English fortifien<Middle French fortifier<Late Latin fortificāre, equivalent to Latin forti(s) strong + -ficāre-fy
OTHER WORDS FROM fortify
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for fortify
British Dictionary definitions for fortify
fortify
/ (ˈfɔːtɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)
(also intr) to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc
to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally
to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc)
to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc
to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals
to support or confirmto fortify an argument with facts
Derived forms of fortify
fortifiable, adjectivefortifier, nounfortifyingly, adverbWord Origin for fortify
C15: from Old French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificāre, from Latin fortis strong + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012