English Reference
adjective · noun

fortified

adj. · n.
US /ˈfɔɹtəˌfaɪd/ UK /fˈɔːtɪfˌaɪd/ for·ti·fied

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.made strong and protected with walls or other defenses to keep out enemies.

    adj.strengthened against military attack through the construction of defensive works such as walls, trenches, or bunkers.

    Simple

    The soldiers retreated behind the fortified walls of the old city.

    In context

    The island was heavily fortified during the war, with concrete bunkers and artillery batteries positioned along every accessible beach.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having extra vitamins or minerals added to make it healthier.

    adj.describing food or drink that has been enriched with additional nutrients, typically vitamins or minerals, during processing.

    Simple

    Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron and vitamin D.

    In context

    Public health initiatives often mandate that flour be fortified with folic acid to reduce the incidence of certain birth defects.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

    adj.describing wine that has had a stronger alcohol, like brandy, added to it.

    adj.denoting wine to which distilled spirits have been added to increase the alcohol content and improve shelf life.

    Simple

    Port and sherry are two famous types of fortified wine.

    In context

    The chef used a splash of fortified wine to deglaze the pan, adding a rich depth of flavour to the sauce.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    n.a wine that has extra alcohol added to it.

    n.a wine, such as port or madeira, that has been strengthened by the addition of spirits.

    Simple

    He enjoyed a small glass of fortified after his dinner.

    In context

    The cellar contained an impressive collection of aged fortifieds, ranging from dry sherries to syrupy dessert wines.

The keep – a fortified tower within a castle – had to be moved to repair a wall that was damaged in a major earthquake.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated