reinforcement

American  

[ree-in-fawrs-muhnt, -fohrs-] / ˌri ɪnˈfɔrs mənt, -ˈfoʊrs- /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonreinforcement noun

Etymology

Origin of reinforcement

First recorded in 1600–10; reinforce + -ment

Example Sentences

Sarah paid $15,000 to rip out the chain-link fence separating the Healing Arts center and Quirky, which had been cut into repeatedly, and replace it with 80 feet of reinforcement.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Surrounding rock that lacked this reinforcement gradually eroded away, leaving behind the web-like network visible today.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

They’re also convinced of their unorthodox methods, which hinge on reinforcement and reward.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

"They were rescued only after additional military reinforcement came."

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

The next thing I know, I’m sitting on a chair at the front of the room with my mouth open and a white paper reinforcement perched like a bull’s-eye on the tip of my tongue.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead

Related Words

• aid