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

3 strengthen, reinforce.
5 hearten, embolden.

OTHER WORDS FROM fortify

Words nearby fortify

fortieth, fortification, fortification agate, fortified pa, fortified wine, fortify, fortin barometer, fortis, fortissimo, fortition, fortitude

Example sentences from the Web for well-fortified

British Dictionary definitions for well-fortified (1 of 2)

well-fortified

adjective (well fortified when postpositive)

(of a position, garrison, city, etc) having been made defensible
(of a person) having strengthened oneself or been strengthened physically, mentally, or morally the police were well fortified with steaming mugs of tea

British Dictionary definitions for well-fortified (2 of 2)

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, adverb

Word Origin for fortify

C15: from Old French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificāre, from Latin fortis strong + facere to make