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Reinforce
To strengthen or support something by adding resources, evidence, or encouragement; to make an argument, structure, or system more robust.
verb💡
Imagine This
Imagine a crumbling bridge being strengthened with new steel beams and thicker concrete; after the work, the bridge feels solid and ready to handle heavy traffic.
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Sounds Like
REE-in-FORSE
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Looks Like
rein + force (reins for a horse + power)
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Remember This
Reinforce = re- + force. It is distinct from enforce (to compel by authority). The noun form is reinforcement.
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Other Forms
reinforcementnoun
reinforcedadjective
reinforcingpresent participle
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Connect With
strengthen, bolster, fortify, support, buttress
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Note
Use reinforce to describe adding support or evidence. Do not use it to mean enforce; that is a different verb with a related but distinct meaning.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The engineers reinforced the dam with additional concrete and steel.
- The coach reinforced the team's morale with a motivating speech and extra practice.
Synonyms
strengthenbolsterfortifysupportbuttress
Antonyms
weakenunderminediminish
Etymology
From re- (again/back) + force; from Old French force and Latin fortis 'strong'.
Mnemonic
REIN FORCE: Think of reins on a horse; when you reinforce something, you apply more force or support, guiding it to be stronger.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Bolster
verbTo support; to strengthen or reinforce; to encourage
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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