reinforce

B2
US /ˌɹi.ɪnˈfɔɹs/ UK /ˌɹiː.ɪnˈfɔːs/
verb Freq #19190

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    make stronger

    I reinforced the concrete.

  2. 2
    verb

    strengthen and support with rewards

    Let's reinforce good behavior

  3. 3
    verb

    To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

    He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape.

  4. 4
    verb

    To emphasize or review.

    The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!

  5. 5
    verb

    To encourage (a behavior or idea) through repeated stimulus.

    Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies.

Etymology

From re- + inforce.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · make stronger reenforce
2 verb · strengthen and support with... reward
3 verb · to strengthen, especially... augmentbolsterbuttressfortifylinestrengthen
4 verb · to emphasize or review. emphasizerepeatreview
5 verb · to encourage (a behavior or... encourageinstructlearnrewardteach
Word family
Derived forms reinforceabilityreinforceablereinforcementreinforcerreinforciblerereinforceself-reinforceself-reinforcing

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