v.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-t ə - ˌ f ī
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -fied ; -fy · ing
Etymology: Middle English fortifien, from Anglo-French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis strong
Date: 15th century
transitive verb : to make strong: as a : to strengthen and secure (as a town) by forts or batteries b : to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to < fortified by a hearty meal> c : to add mental or moral strength to : ENCOURAGE < fortified by prayer> d : to add material to for strengthening or enriching < fortified milk>
intransitive verb : to erect fortifications
– for · ti · fi · er \ - ˌ f ī (- ə )r \ noun