reinforcement

[ree-in-fawrs-muhnt, -fohrs-]

noun

1. the act of reinforcing.

2. the state of being reinforced.

3. something that reinforces or strengthens.

4. Often reinforcements. an additional supply of personnel, ships, aircraft, etc., for a military force.

5. a system of steel bars, strands, wires, or mesh for absorbing the tensile and shearing stresses in concrete work.

6. Psychology.

   1. a procedure, as a reward or punishment, that alters a response to a stimulus.

   2. the act of reinforcing a response.

Other Word Forms

• nonreinforcement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reinforcement¹

First recorded in 1600–10; reinforce + -ment

Example Sentences

Thanks to his bravery, and that of his fellow soldiers, the Germans were held up just long enough for Indian and British reinforcements to arrive.

From BBC

And the lone reinforcement the front office acquired at what now feels like a regrettably quiet trade deadline, Brock Stewart, is uncertain to return from a bothersome shoulder problem.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers have at least one bullpen reinforcement coming in this series, with rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki set to be activated on Wednesday in his long-awaited return from a shoulder injury.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the reinforcement of his mantra - effort, competitiveness and always pushing limits.

From BBC

That was a reminder that, between now and the end of the regular season, the Dodgers could have relief reinforcements on the way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aid