# fortified

/ˈfɔɹtəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /fˈɔːtɪfˌaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fortified
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. protected against attack

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The soldiers retreated behind the fortified walls of the old city.
- The island was heavily fortified during the war, with concrete bunkers and artillery batteries positioned along every accessible beach.

### 2. food with added nutrients

adjective · CEFR B2

having extra vitamins or minerals added to make it healthier.

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

- Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron and vitamin D.
- Public health initiatives often mandate that flour be fortified with folic acid to reduce the incidence of certain birth defects.

### 3. wine with added alcohol

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- Port and sherry are two famous types of fortified wine.
- The chef used a splash of fortified wine to deglaze the pan, adding a rich depth of flavour to the sauce.

### 4. a type of wine

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a wine that has extra alcohol added to it.

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

- He enjoyed a small glass of fortified after his dinner.
- The cellar contained an impressive collection of aged fortifieds, ranging from dry sherries to syrupy dessert wines.

## Examples

- The soldiers retreated behind the fortified walls of the castle.
- Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron and folic acid to help children meet their daily nutritional needs.
- The city's fortified perimeter, once a marvel of medieval engineering, now serves as a scenic walking path for tourists and local residents alike.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.