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reinforce Definition

re·inforce (rē′in fôrs′)

transitive verb -·forced′, -·forc′·ing

  1. to strengthen (a military, naval, or air force) with additional troops, ships, planes, etc.
  2. to increase the number or amount of
  3. to strengthen or make stronger, as by patching, propping, adding new material, etc.
  4. to make stronger or more compelling to reinforce one's arguments
  5. Psychol. to increase the probability of (a response to a stimulus) by giving a reward or ending a painful stimulus

Etymology: re- + inforce, var. of enforce

  • reinfect
  • reinflate

reinforce Related Forms

re′·inforc′er noun

reinforce Synonyms

reinforce

v.

buttress, bolster, augment; see strengthen.

reinforce Usage Examples

Object

  • concrete: A basic search for ' reinforced concrete ' brings up a big list of results, which he has a quick browse through.
  • stereotype: This will reinforce the unfortunate stereotype of the church.
  • notion: The economic approach focuses purely on monetary value and may be damaging if it reinforces the notion that volunteering is all about saving money.
  • composite: Similarly, it may be possible to make composites reinforced with diamond or diamond-like particles.
  • message: Posters are also being used in schools to reinforce the message.
  • masonry: This can be achieved through construction of reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete window frames.

Subject

fact: This view is reinforced by the fact that it assumes a knowledge of the ' rules ' .

Adjective complement

  • concrete: Lintels can be made from in-situ reinforced concrete, timber and reinforced masonry.
  • plastic: Oppies are built of wood or of glass reinforced plastic ( GRP ).

Modifying Another Word

  • mutually: Project Approach The campaign used a multi-channel approach, with a combination of various communication channels mutually reinforcing each other.
  • powerfully: This understanding has been powerfully reinforced by many new insights into relationships between human social activity and the natural environment as a whole.

Used with why or when

  • what: Homework only reinforces what was successfully learned in class.
  • when: Ethical issues are covered explicitly in some taught modules, and they are reinforced when students consider their honors research project.

Present participle complement

  • exist: Instead of beginning the transition to a new regime, they reinforced existing boundaries.
  • learn: You might like to reinforce learning here by asking pairs or groups to plan brief TV presentations to explain the diagram.

Preposition: with

  • fiber: Reinforced with a unique textile fiber in exposed areas.
  • steel: Internally, the timber frame was reinforced with steel bracing and brackets.

Preposition: by

  • fact: This view is reinforced by the fact that it assumes a knowledge of the ' rules ' .
  • arrival: However, reinforced by late arrivals, the routers rally at the pass and return to the battle.
  • fence: Where boundary is edged by the road, it is reinforced by a wire fence.