reinforce Hear it!

Jump To: synonymsSynonyms · examplesUsage Examples · linkLink/Cite
Also found in: medicalAH Medical Dictionary
reinforce definition

re·inforce (rē′in fôrs′)

transitive verb reinforced -·forced′, reinforcing -·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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical reinforce definition - medical

reinforce Synonyms

reinforce

v.

buttress, bolster, augment; see strengthen.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

reinforce Usage Examples

Object

  • stereotype: This will reinforce the unfortunate stereotype of the church.

Used with why or when

  • what: Homework only reinforces what was successfully learned in class.

Present participle complement

  • learn: You might like to reinforce learning here by asking pairs or groups to plan brief TV presentations to explain the diagram.

Modifying Another Word

  • 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

  • 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.

Preposition: with

  • fiber: Reinforced with a unique textile fiber in exposed areas.

Preposition: by

  • fact: This view is reinforced by the fact that it assumes a knowledge of the ' rules ' .
reinforce usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"reinforce." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/reinforce>

APA Style

reinforce. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/reinforce

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment