fortify

verb

for·ti·fy ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī

fortified; fortifying

Synonyms of fortify next

transitive verb

: to make strong: such as

: to strengthen and secure (a place, such as a town) by forts or batteries

a city fortified by high walls

: to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to

fortified by a hearty meal

: to add mental or moral strength to : encourage

fortified by prayer

fortified by early successes

: to strengthen or enhance by the addition of some substance or ingredient: such as

(1)

: to add distilled grape spirits to (wine) during fermentation to increase the alcohol content

… both the red and white versions we get in this country have been American-made-from California wine fortified with a touch of brandy.—

Jim Nelson

(2)

: to enrich (food) by adding ingredients (such as vitamins or minerals) to improve the nutritional value

… make sure any soy milk you buy is fortified with vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health.—

Selene Yeager

intransitive verb

: to erect fortifications

fortifier

ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

Did you know?

Medieval cities were fortified against attack by high walls, and volunteers may fortify a levee against an overflowing river by means of sandbags. Foods can be fortified by adding vitamins, but "fortified wines", such as sherry and port, have brandy (a "stronger" drink) rather than vitamins added to them. By adopting good exercise habits, you can fortify your body against illness. And fortifying needn't always be physical. An author's reputation may be fortified by the success of his new book, or a prosecutor can fortify a case against a suspect by finding more evidence.

Examples of fortify in a Sentence

fortify a city against attack a city fortified by high walls Support for his theories has been fortified by the results of these experiments. He took a deep breath to fortify himself before stepping onto the stage. milk fortified with vitamin D

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Working with public and private sectors, CISA provided tools, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies to fortify the nation’s defenses. —

Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Now that Cole's immediate future with the club is secured, Cashman can investigate other possibilities to fortify the rotation. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 My children have spent their developing years watching Trump’s oligarchy fortify itself through a global pandemic. —

Michelle Benegas, Twin Cities, 1 Nov. 2024 Pennsylvania’s Republican Secretary of State Al Schmidt, the state’s top election official, told CBS News on Sunday that the commonwealth has taken extra steps to fortify election security in 2024. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fortify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fortifien, from Anglo-French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis strong

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of fortify was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

fortify

verb

for·ti·fy ˈfȯrt-ə-ˌfī

fortified; fortifying

: to make strong: as

: to strengthen by military defenses

fortify a town

: to give strength or endurance to

fortify the body against illness

a team fortified by the cheering crowd

: to add material to for strengthening or improving : enrich

fortify a soil with fertilizer

milk fortified with vitamin D

fortifier

-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

Last Updated: 25 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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fortify

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of fortify in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near fortify

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Kids Definition