I. verb
also re·enforce |rē+
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: reinforce from re- + inforce, alteration of enforce; reenforce from re- + enforce
transitive verb
1.
a. : to strengthen with additional force, assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced
walls … reinforced with mud — American Guide Series: Minnesota
details piled upon details reinforce the picture — Emory Ross
reinforce the elbows of a jacket
the atmosphere reinforced by candle fumes was stifling — Ronald Storrs
b. : to strengthen (a military or naval force) with additional units
reinforce the regular troops — Manfred Nathan
the Englishman … was reinforced by three other ships of the line — U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings
c. : to strengthen or increase (a group or number) by fresh additions
the faculty … was reinforced from the ranks of its students — R.M.Lovett
the reformers were reinforced in the assembly — B.K.Sandwell
trout eggs can be treated by the same solution provided it is reinforced after each lot — Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
d. : to make more forcible, cogent, or convincing
movements we make with face, head, hands, feet to reinforce our words — Stuart Chase
reinforce an argument
e. : to make greater (as by the provision of fresh force or additional units)
reinforce the collections on government … science, and technology — L.H.Evans
reinforce their own productivity by the creation of … marvelous machinery — R.W.Emerson
2. obsolete : to renew or repeat with fresh force
3. obsolete : to enforce again
reinforce … the laws against the conventicles — Andrew Marvell
4. : to increase the likelihood of (a response) by a reward
intransitive verb
: to seek or get reinforcements
Synonyms: see strengthen
II. noun
( -s )
: something that reinforces or strengthens ; specifically : the metal band placed over the chamber and rear part of the bore of the gun — see cannon illustration