for ‧ ti ‧ fi ‧ ca ‧ tion /ˌfɔːtəfəˈkeɪʃ ə n, ˌfɔːtɪfəˈkeɪʃ ə n $ ˌfɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable] the process of making something stronger or more effective
2 . fortifications [plural] towers, walls etc built around a place in order to protect it or defend it:
a site of ancient fortifications dating from about 500 B.C.