fortify

[ fawr-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.

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)

, for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈfortiˌfyingly, adverb
• ˈfortiˌfiable, adjective
• ˈfortiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• for·ti·fi·a·ble adjective
• for·ti·fi·er noun
• for·ti·fy·ing·ly adverb
• non·for·ti·fi·a·ble adjective
• non·for·ti·fy·ing adjective
• re·for·ti·fy verb (used with object) refortified refortifying
• un·der·for·ti·fy verb (used with object) underfortified underfortifying
• un·for·ti·fi·a·ble 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

But, in terms of our ability to fortify against those impending risks, it’s a system that’s not very adaptable to climate change.

From Voice of San Diego

After your paddle, stroll over to the Jordan Pond House, where you can soak up the view once more, this time while fortifying yourself on creamy lobster stew and popovers.

From Outside Online

He thought they were safe, that the Capitol doors and windows were fortified to withstand blows and bullets.

From Washington Post

In the United States, it’s best known, and well-loved, as a soup of greens, tiny pasta and meatballs, flavorful and fortifying.

From Washington Post

Some formulas are already fortified with proteins and carbohydrates derived synthetically or from cow’s milk.

From MIT Technology Review

Does Israel offer up any facts to fortify his incendiary charge?

From The Daily Beast

The freedom that comes with not having to seek votes can sometimes fortify the spine.

From The Daily Beast

And volunteers are working around the clock at Fort Tilden beach in the Rockaways to fortify sand dunes.

From The Daily Beast

She says she got involved volunteering not only to clean up the beach but to help fortify it.

From The Daily Beast

So Romney reversed course again, vowing “to fortify his communications and messaging team by adding seasoned operatives.”

From The Daily Beast

Young Richard, never loath to fortify himself, proved amenable enough to the stiffly laced Canary that his friend set before him.

From Project Gutenberg

That is the most trying part of the day, even for those who have managed to fortify themselves with a good meal.

From Project Gutenberg

Gage began to fortify Boston Neck and brought in some guns which might otherwise have been seized by the people.

From Project Gutenberg

She saw not this glorious vision, to inspire and fortify her against the possible decay or downfall of her power.

From Project Gutenberg

He had exhausted and stripped himself in constructing and completing it; he could neither fortify nor add to it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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