fortify

[fawr-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

fortified, fortifying 

1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.

2. to furnish with a means of resisting force or standing strain or wear.

   to fortify cotton with nylon.

3. to make strong; impart strength or vigor to.

   to fortify oneself with a good breakfast.

   Synonyms: reinforce, strengthen

4. to increase the effectiveness of, as by additional ingredients.

   to fortify a diet with vitamins; to fortify a lotion with lanolin.

5. to strengthen mentally or morally.

   to be fortified by religious faith.

   Synonyms: embolden, hearten

6. to confirm or corroborate.

   to fortify an accusation with facts.

7. Nutrition.,  to add one or more ingredients to (a food) to increase its nutritional content.

8. to add alcohol to (wine or the like).

verb (used without object)

fortified, fortifying 

1. to set up defensive works; erect fortifications.

fortify

/ ˈfɔːtɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (also intr) to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc

2. to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally

3. to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc)

4. to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc

5. to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals

6. to support or confirm

   to fortify an argument with facts

Other Word Forms

• fortifyingly adverb
• fortifier noun
• fortifiable adjective
• nonfortifiable adjective
• nonfortifying adjective
• refortify verb (used with object)
• underfortify verb (used with object)
• unfortifiable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortify¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English fortifien, from Middle French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificāre, equivalent to Latin forti(s) “strong” + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortify¹

C15: from Old French fortifier , from Late Latin fortificāre , from Latin fortis strong + facere to make

Example Sentences

Preller fortified the roster at the trading deadline, and Adam told him after the injury Monday that he was grateful for the addition of dynamic reliever Mason Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

“This can come from milk, yogurt, or cheese. It can also come from lactose-free milk and fortified soy milk or yogurt.”

From Salon

She’s got some stuff to fortify herself so that she could come back.

From Los Angeles Times

In the wake of the deadly January fires that burned through Altadena and Pacific Palisades, many people are wondering: Can we truly fortify our city against a firestorm?

From Los Angeles Times

Can we really fortify our homes and our city against a fire storm?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brace 
• build up 
• buttress 
• consolidate 
• entrench 
• protect 
• reinforce 
• secure 
• shore up 
• step up 
• strengthen