fortify

[fawr-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

fortified, fortifying 

1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.

2. to furnish with a means of resisting force or standing strain or wear.

   to fortify cotton with nylon.

3. to make strong; impart strength or vigor to.

   to fortify oneself with a good breakfast.

   Synonyms: reinforce, strengthen

4. to increase the effectiveness of, as by additional ingredients.

   to fortify a diet with vitamins; to fortify a lotion with lanolin.

5. to strengthen mentally or morally.

   to be fortified by religious faith.

   Synonyms: embolden, hearten

6. to confirm or corroborate.

   to fortify an accusation with facts.

7. Nutrition.,  to add one or more ingredients to (a food) to increase its nutritional content.

8. to add alcohol to (wine or the like).

verb (used without object)

fortified, fortifying 

1. to set up defensive works; erect fortifications.

fortify

/ ˈfɔːtɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (also intr) to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc

2. to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally

3. to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc)

4. to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc

5. to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals

6. to support or confirm

   to fortify an argument with facts

Other Word Forms

• fortifiable adjective
• fortifier noun
• fortifyingly adverb
• nonfortifiable adjective
• nonfortifying adjective
• refortify verb (used with object)
• underfortify verb (used with object)
• unfortifiable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortify¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English fortifien, from Middle French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificāre, equivalent to Latin forti(s) “strong” + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortify¹

C15: from Old French fortifier , from Late Latin fortificāre , from Latin fortis strong + facere to make

Example Sentences

For tribes directly linked to Chuckwalla, the emphasis now is on cementing a healthier relationship with the government and fortifying their bond with the land.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An early dinner for Spain, but sustenance just enough to fortify before the night carries on.

Read more on Salon

The new Coors offering isn’t classified as a fortified wine, but rather as a malt beverage—never mind that the alcohol comes from fermented cane sugar, not malted grains.

Read more on Barron's

The crew locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the attackers took control of the ship.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• brace 
• build up 
• buttress 
• consolidate 
• entrench 
• protect 
• reinforce 
• secure 
• shore up 
• step up 
• strengthen