reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfȯrs 
variants
or less commonly reenforce
reinforced also reenforced; reinforcing also reenforcing; reinforces also reenforces
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced
reinforce levees
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce ideas
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
reinforce our troops
were reinforcing their pitching staff
3
: to stimulate (a subject, such as an experimental animal) by reinforcement (see reinforcement sense 3)
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
: to seek or get reinforcements
Examples of reinforce in a Sentence
The captain sent out another squad to reinforce the troops.
Our camp is reinforced with supplies flown in by helicopter.
The levees will need to be reinforced.
The bad weather forecast only reinforces our decision to leave early tomorrow.
Some critics say that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about the military.
We do our best to reinforce good conduct in the classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
If employees fear looking uninformed or worry that questioning leadership will lead to trouble, their brains shift into play it safe mode, blocking curiosity and reinforcing silos.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Doctor Reveals Shocking Responses When People Find Out Husband's Profession
Looking back, the experience has only reinforced what Jackson believes about love and fate.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This reinforces the understanding that poor sleep is not just a symptom, but a contributing factor to mental health challenges.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Those inquiries reinforce earlier press reports based on leaks and add frightening detail.
—Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
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Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Doctor Reveals Shocking Responses When People Find Out Husband's Profession
Looking back, the experience has only reinforced what Jackson believes about love and fate.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
This reinforces the understanding that poor sleep is not just a symptom, but a contributing factor to mental health challenges.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Those inquiries reinforce earlier press reports based on leaks and add frightening detail.
—Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reinforce
Cite this Entry
“Reinforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinforce. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reinforce
verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
reinforce the argument with facts
2
: to strengthen or increase by fresh additions
were reinforcing their pitching staff
reinforce our troops
3
: to stimulate (a person or animal) with a reinforcer
also
: to increase the frequency of (a response) with a reinforcer
Medical Definition
reinforce
transitive verb
re·in·force
ˌrē-ən-ˈfō(ə)rs, -ˈfȯ(ə)rs
reinforced; reinforcing
1
: to strengthen by additional material or support : make stronger
reinforced with vitamins
2
: to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) by reinforcement
also
: to encourage (a response) by reinforcement
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