fortify
FOR-tih-fy
/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ/
To strengthen a place against attack by constructing defensive works; or to invigorate mentally or physically.
Can refer to physical engineering (walls, trenches) or metaphorical strengthening (fortifying resolve or food with nutrients).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'fortis' (strong) combined with 'facere' (to make). In Medieval Latin, 'fortificare' meant literally to make strong. It entered Middle English via Old French 'fortifier'.
Word relationships
- reinforce: Reinforce means adding extra troops or material, whereas fortify means constructing or enhancing structural strength.
- strengthen: Strengthen is a broader general term, whereas fortify carries strong defensive or structural connotations.
- weaken: To reduce the strength or defensive capability.
- undermine: To secretly or gradually wear down defenses.
Commonly confused with
- garrison: Fortify is the action of strengthening structures; garrison is the act of stationing troops within them.
Word family
- fortification (noun): A defensive wall or built structure.
- fortified (adjective): Strengthened or protected.
Collocations
- fortify defenses
- fortify positions
- fortify resolve
Example sentences
- "Engineers worked through the night to fortify the riverbank with heavy sandbags and concrete barriers." Engineering military defenses
- "She swallowed a hot cup of tea to fortify herself against the bitter arctic wind." Psychological preparation
Memory hook
FORTIFY sounds like building a FORT to make yourself strong. Make strong like a fort.
When not to use
Do not use to mean repair cosmetic damage; it strictly implies increasing strength or defensive capacity.
Fun facts
- Vitamin-enriched cereals use 'fortify' in the exact same sense: physically making the food stronger in nutrition.
Explore more words
fortification, invigorate, fortified, bolster, intensify, revitalize
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