reinforcement B2 Topic:Actions & Processes Also spelled re-inforcement US /ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹsmənt/ UK /ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ See IPA manual Freq #23208 Meanings 1 noun The act of making something stronger or more solid. The old bridge needs reinforcement before heavy trucks can cross it. 2 noun Extra soldiers, equipment, or help sent to support a group that is already working or fighting. The commander radioed for reinforcements as the battle grew worse. 3 noun A reward or response that encourages a person or animal to repeat a behaviour. Praise can be a powerful reinforcement for good behaviour in children. 4 noun Something added to give extra strength or support. Steel bars act as a reinforcement inside the concrete wall. Thesaurus Synonyms 2 noun · extra soldiers, equipment,... support 3 noun · a reward or response that... rewardreinforcing stimulus 4 noun · something added to give... strengthener Word family Forms reinforcements Derived forms interreinforcementnonreinforcementreoself-reinforcement Related forms punishment Etymology AI details From reinforce + -ment. Topics Actions & Processes External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # reinforcement **Type:** Word **Level:** B2 **Part of speech:** noun **IPA (US):** /ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹsmənt/ **IPA (UK):** /ˌɹiːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ **Frequency rank:** 23208 ## Meanings 1. The act of making something stronger or more solid. 2. Extra soldiers, equipment, or help sent to support a group that is already working or fighting. 3. A reward or response that encourages a person or animal to repeat a behaviour. 4. Something added to give extra strength or support. ## Examples - The old bridge needs reinforcement before heavy trucks can cross it. - The commander radioed for reinforcements as the battle grew worse. - Praise can be a powerful reinforcement for good behaviour in children. - Steel bars act as a reinforcement inside the concrete wall. ## Derived Forms - interreinforcement - nonreinforcement - reo - self-reinforcement ## Related Forms - punishment ## Etymology From reinforce + -ment. ## AI Etymology Reinforcement comes from reinforce + -ment. Modern senses include the act of making something stronger or more solid. and extra soldiers, equipment, or help sent to support a group that is already working or fighting.. The wider word family includes derivatives such as interreinforcement, nonreinforcement, reo, and self-reinforcement and related forms such as punishment. ## Topics - Actions & Processes markdown