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fortify

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To fortify is defined as to make something stronger.

(verb)

An example of to fortify is to add extra support to a building.

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See fortify in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb fortified, fortifying

to make strong or stronger; strengthen physically, emotionally, etc.
to strengthen against attack, as by building or furnishing with forts, walls, etc.
to support; corroborate: to fortify an argument with statistics
to strengthen (wine, etc.) by adding alcohol
to add vitamins, minerals, etc. to (milk, etc.) so as to increase the food value; enrich

Origin: ME fortifien < OFr fortifier < LL fortificare < L fortis, strong (see fort) + facere, to make, do

intransitive verb

to build military defenses

Related Forms:

fortifiable adjective
fortifier noun

See fortify in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing, for·ti·fies

verb, transitive

To make strong, as:

a. To strengthen and secure (a position) with fortifications.

b. To reinforce by adding material.

c. To impart physical strength or endurance to; invigorate.

d. To give emotional, moral, or mental strength to; encourage: Prayer fortified us during our crisis.

e. To strengthen or enrich (food, for example), as by adding vitamins.

verb, intransitive

To build fortifications.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English fortifien

Origin: , from Old French fortifier

Origin: , from Late Latin fortificāre

Origin: , from Latin fortis, strong; see bhergh-² in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

forˈti·fiˌa·ble adjective

forˈti·fiˌer noun

forˈti·fyˌing·ly adverb

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