fortify
pronunciation
How to pronounce fortify in British English:
UK [ˈfɔːtɪfaɪ]
How to pronounce fortify in American English:
US [ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ]
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- Verb:
- make strong or stronger
- enclose by or as if by a fortification
- prepare oneself for a military confrontation
- add nutrients to
- add alcohol beverages
Word Origin
- fortify (v.)
- early 15c., "increase efficacy" (of medicine); mid-15c., "provide (a town) with walls and defenses," from Old French fortifiier (14c.) "to fortify, strengthen," from Late Latin fortificare "to strengthen, make strong," from Latin fortis "strong" (see fort) + facere "to make" (see factitious). Sense of "to strengthen mentally or morally" is from late 15c. Meaning "add liquor or alcohol" is from 1880; meaning "add nutrients to food" is from 1939. Related: Fortified; fortifying.
Synonym
Example
- 1. This could indicate that a little extra weight might fortify people against illness and injury as they age .
- 2. It has the money to fortify its banks against the default of greece-and portugal and ireland , if need be .
- 3. The plan is to fortify the island by adding landmass and mangrove trees and protect it with a new 40-acre circular barrier .
- 4. The agreement , if it does materialise , will certainly disappoint those who think that china is becoming warier of doing deals that fortify dodgy dictators .
- 5. It uses the cells to fortify and rebuild damaged heart muscles and blood vessels in an attempt to prevent further attacks .