v.
Variant: also re · en · force
Pronunciation: ˌ r ē - ə n- ' fo ̇ rs
Function: verb
Etymology: re- + inforce, alteration of enforce
Date: 1567
transitive verb
1 : to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced < reinforce levees> < reinforce the elbows of a jacket> < reinforce ideas>
2 : to strengthen or increase by fresh additions < reinforce our troops> <were reinforcing their pitching staff>
3 : to stimulate (as an experimental animal or a student) with a reinforcer also : to encourage (a response) with a reinforcer
intransitive verb : to seek or get reinforcements
– re · in · force · able \ - ' fo ̇ r-s ə -b ə l \ adjective