fortify
To strengthen a place, building, or structure with defensive works or reinforcements to protect it against attack.
Fortify implies active physical reinforcement (like adding steel plates, bars, or concrete) specifically to resist external force or invasion.
Word relationships
- strengthen: A general term for making anything stronger, while fortify specifically implies strengthening against a physical attack or invasion.
- reinforce: To add extra strength or support to a structure, often used interchangeably with fortify, though fortify has stronger military/defensive connotations.
- weaken: To reduce the strength of a structure, which is the opposite of fortify.
- abandon: To leave a place unprotected, whereas fortifying is actively preparing it for defense.
Commonly confused with
- strengthen: To fortify is to strengthen specifically against attack or invasion, while strengthen is a general term for making something stronger.
Word family
- fortification (noun): A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place.
- fortified (adjective): Strengthened or protected against attack.
Collocations
- fortify defenses
- fortify the door
- heavily fortified
- fortify against attack
Example sentences
- "They decided to fortify the back door with a heavy steel bar." Reinforcing physical structures.
Memory hook
Think of 'fortify' as 'fort-ify'—making your home strong like a military fort. Fortify your house to make it a secure fort.
When not to use
Do not use 'fortify' for simple repairs, like fixing a squeaky hinge, unless the repair actively increases defensive strength.
Fun facts
- The term 'fortified wine' (like Port or Sherry) uses the same root because brandy is added to the wine to 'strengthen' its alcohol content and preserve it.
Related words
Explore more words
fortification, invigorate, fortified, bolster, intensify, revitalize
Also appears in
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