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   reinforce

   /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/

   verb

   • 1. strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material: "the helmet has been reinforced with a double layer of cork" Similar strengthenfortifybolster upshore upbuttressprop upunderpinbracestiffentoughensupporthold uparchaic:underprop
   • ▪ strengthen (an existing feeling, idea, or habit): "the next few months reinforced my opinion of Vince as a man of his word" Similar strengthenfortifybolster upshore upbuttressprop upunderpinsupportcementupholddefendmaintainback (up)buoy upboostgive a boost toaidassisthelppromoteencouragedeepenbroadenenrichenhanceintensifyimproveunderlineheightenemphasizestress
   • ▪ strengthen (a military force) with additional personnel or equipment: "paratroopers were sent to reinforce the troops already in the area" Similar augmentincreaseadd tosupplementboostswellbuild uptop up

   Word Origin late Middle English: from French renforcer, influenced by inforce, an obsolete spelling of enforce; the sense of providing military support is probably from Italian rinforzare.

   Derivatives

   • 1. reinforcer noun

   Scrabble Points: 14

   • R

     1

   • E

     1

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

   • F

     4

   • O

     1

   • R

     1

   • C

     3

   • E

     1

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