|rē+ noun
( -s )
Etymology: reinforce + -ment
1. obsolete : a fresh or renewed assault
with a sudden reinforcement struck … like a planet — Shakespeare
2.
a. : the action of reinforcing or the state of being reinforced : augmentation of strength or force
willow mattresses used for reinforcement of caving banks — American Guide Series: Louisiana
his task is the factual reinforcement of Christian theology by ethnology — Rodney Needham
heavy reinforcement of credit supplies … had taken place — Financial Times (London)
b. : the strengthening of the response to one stimulus by the concurrent action of another stimulus (as a reward) — compare recruitment
3. archaic : the action of enforcing again or anew
4. : something that reinforces: as
a. : an additional unit (as of troops or ships) to augment the strength of an army, fleet, or other military force
received … a reinforcement of 30,000 men — Thomas Lediard
— often used in plural
without reinforcements he would not be able to maintain his position — U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings
b. : an additional supply or contribution
great reinforcements of sympathy — Walter Pater
c. : something designed to provide additional strength (as in a weak area)
leather reinforcements on the jacket and trouser pockets — New York Times
gummed reinforcements … prevent paper from tearing — J.R.Gregg