reinforce
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.re·in·force
verb \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\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 Variants of REINFORCE
re·in·force also re·en·force \ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs\
Examples of REINFORCE
- The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
- Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
- The levees will need to be reinforced.
- The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
- Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
- We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
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
re·in·force
transitive verb \ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs\ (Medical Dictionary)re·in·forced; re·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\ (audio pronunciation) adjective
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