reenforce

or re-en·force

[ ree-uh n-fawrs, -fohrs ]

/ ˌri ənˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

verb (used with object), re·en·forced, re·en·forc·ing, noun

Nearby words

reel-to-reel, reel-to-reel tape, reeled silk, reeler, reen, reenforce, reengine, reengineer, reenlist, reenlistment, reenter

Definition for reenforce (2 of 2)

reinforce

[ ree-in-fawrs, -fohrs ]

/ ˌri ɪnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

verb (used with object), re·in·forced, re·in·forc·ing.

to strengthen with some added piece, support, or material: to reinforce a wall.

to strengthen (a military force) with additional personnel, ships, or aircraft: to reinforce a garrison.

to strengthen; make more forcible or effective: to reinforce efforts.

to augment; increase: to reinforce a supply.

Psychology. to strengthen the probability of (a response to a given stimulus) by giving or withholding a reward.

noun

something that reinforces.

a metal band on the rear part of the bore of a gun, where the explosion occurs.

Also reenforce, re-enforce.

Origin of reinforce

1590–1600; re- + inforce, alteration of enforce

Related forms

re·in·forc·er, nounself-re·in·forc·ing, adjectiveun·re·in·forced, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for reenforce

The remnants of the Guards retreated until they were met by the London-Scottish regiment sent to reenforce them.
The Story of the Great War, Volume II (of VIII)|Various
This he now ordered to reenforce his left, which had been advancing along the southern slopes of the Tzer range.
The Story of the Great War, Volume II (of VIII)|Various
Squire remained to care for the crops of the two families, and agreed to reenforce the hunters late in the autumn.
Daniel Boone|Reuben Gold Thwaites
Consequently Ontario, which produced most men proportionately, was called upon to reenforce units credited to other provinces.
The Story of the Great War, Volume VIII (of VIII)|various

Increases in appropriations are necessary and will be asked for in order to reenforce these offices.
State of the Union Addresses of Herbert Hoover|Herbert Hoover

British Dictionary definitions for reenforce

reinforce

/ (ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs) /

verb (tr)

to give added strength or support to

to give added emphasis to; stress, support, or increasehis rudeness reinforced my determination

to give added support to (a military force) by providing more men, supplies, etc

psychol to reward an action or response of (a human or animal) so that it becomes more likely to occur again

Derived Forms

reinforcement, noun

Word Origin for reinforce

C17: from obsolete renforce, from French renforcer; see re- + inforce enforce

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

Medicine definitions for reenforce

reinforce

[ rē′ĭn-fôrs′ ]

v.

To give more force or effectiveness to something; strengthen.

To reward an individual, especially an experimental subject, with a reinforcer subsequent to a desired response or performance.

To stimulate a response by means of a reinforcer.