Dictionary
reinforce
verb re·in·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\
: to strengthen (a group of people) with new supplies or more people
: to strengthen (something, such as clothing or a building) by adding more material for support
: to encourage or give support to (an idea, behavior, feeling, etc.)
Full Definition of REINFORCE
transitive verb
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced <reinforce levees> <reinforce the elbows of a jacket> <reinforce ideas>
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions <reinforce our troops> <were reinforcing their pitching staff>
3
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) with a reinforcer; also : to encourage (a response) with a reinforcer
intransitive verb
: to seek or get reinforcements
— re·in·force·able \-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective
See reinforce defined for English-language learners
See reinforce defined for kids
Variants of REINFORCE
re·in·force also re·en·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\
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Origin of REINFORCE
re- + inforce, alteration of enforce
First Known Use: 1567
Related to REINFORCE
- Synonyms
- back, bolster, buttress, corroborate, support (also reenforce), shore (up), substantiate
Rhymes with REINFORCE
REINFORCE Defined for Kids
reinforce
verb re·in·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\
re·in·forcedre·in·forc·ing
Definition of REINFORCE for Kids
1
: to strengthen with new supplies or more people <Another squad reinforced the troops.>
2
: to strengthen by adding more material for support <The wall needs to be reinforced.>
Medical Dictionary
reinforce
transitive verb re·in·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs\
re·in·forcedre·in·forc·ing
Medical Definition of REINFORCE
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger <reinforced with vitamins>
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement; also : to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
—re·in·force·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective
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