fortification

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a defensive wall, earthwork, or other structure built to protect a place from attack

   The ruined hilltop fortification still overlooks the harbor.

2. 2
   noun

   the act or process of strengthening a place against attack

   The fortification of the border took several years.

3. 3
   noun

   the addition of nutrients to food, or alcohol to wine, to enrich or strengthen it

   Flour fortification can help prevent deficiencies in the wider population.

Through Middle French fortification from Late Latin fortificatio, from fortificare, 'to make strong.' The Latin verb combines fortis, 'strong,' with facere, 'to make.' The enrichment sense extends the same idea of strengthening to food and drink.

Topics