fortify
[ fawr-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈfɔr təˌfaɪ /
verb (used with object), for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.
verb (used without object), for·ti·fied, for·ti·fy·ing.
to set up defensive works; erect fortifications.
Origin of fortify
1400–50; late Middle English
fortifien < Middle French
fortifier < Late Latin
fortificāre, equivalent to Latin
forti(s) strong +
-ficāre
-fy
SYNONYMS FOR fortify
OTHER WORDS FROM fortify
Words nearby fortify
Example sentences from the Web for fortify
British Dictionary definitions for fortify
fortify
/ (ˈfɔːtɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (mainly tr)
(also intr)
to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc
to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally
to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc)
to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc
to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals
to support or confirm
to fortify an argument with facts
Derived forms of fortify
fortifiable, adjective fortifier, noun fortifyingly, adverbWord Origin for fortify
C15: from Old French
fortifier, from Late Latin
fortificāre, from Latin
fortis strong +
facere to make