fortified

American  

[fawr-tuh-fahyd] / ˈfɔr təˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. protected or strengthened against attack; provided with defensive military works.

   Jim’s platoon was the reserve force for his company's coordinated assault on a heavily fortified hill.

2. given strength or vigor, as by food or drink.

   She rejoined her companions, toting snacks and goodies in her pack, and the newly fortified hikers continued on their way the next day.

3. Nutrition. having one or more ingredients added, as vitamins, minerals, etc., to increase nutritional value.

   The fortified flour helps reduce anemia and enhance micronutrient uptake.

4. (of wine or the like) having extra alcohol added.

   Marsala, a fortified wine sweetened with concentrated grape juice, comes from Sicily.

5. strengthened mentally or morally.

   From this new perspective, he looked upon the impossible task with fortified courage.

6. having ingredients, elements, or features added in order to increase effectiveness or withstand strain or wear.

   The new, fortified design standards aim at strengthening buildings and infrastructure against high winds, flooding, and fire.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of fortify.

Other Word Forms

• unfortified adjective
• well-fortified adjective

Etymology

Origin of fortified

fortify ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Along with another islet, Siri, "these islands have been fortified, turned into mini-fortresses with anti-ship missiles", Pierre Razoux from the France-based Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies told AFP recently.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

“Government officials live on military bases or other sorts of fortified zones in authoritarian regimes.”

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

At that time, communities were building enclosed settlements and returning to Bronze Age settlement mounds and parts of large fortified sites.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

"Evidence on chronic high consumption from fortified foods and long-term neurobehavioral outcomes is still sparse. Moderation, clear labelling, and attention to total daily exposure remain prudent," advises Begdache.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

In the days after August 13, the East Germans fortified the border with watchtowers and bright floodlights—just like a prison.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• barricaded
• covered
• guarded
• protected
• reinforced
• secured
• strengthened
• walled