reinforce
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make a structure or object stronger by adding more material to it.
to strengthen a physical object or structure by adding extra support or material. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The workers had to reinforce the old bridge with steel beams before heavy trucks could cross.”
In context“Engineers decided to reinforce the concrete foundations after discovering that the soil was more unstable than the initial surveys had suggested.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make an idea, belief, or feeling stronger.
to provide additional support for a concept, argument, or belief, making it more convincing or established.
Simple“The latest news will only reinforce her opinion that the plan is a bad idea.”
In context“The professor presented several case studies to reinforce the theory that economic stability is directly linked to high literacy rates.”
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to encourage a specific habit or way of acting by rewarding it.
to strengthen a behavioral response by providing a stimulus or reward following the action.
Simple“You can reinforce good behavior in a dog by giving it a small treat.”
In context“Positive feedback from managers can effectively reinforce a culture of collaboration and transparency within the workplace.”
Antonyms
Usage mutually reinforce · reinforce conclusion · reinforce idea
“It would allow the party to reclaim a state it lost in 2022 and reinforce its position in a region central to the president’s political power.”
“But when similar decisions are repeated thousands of times across schools and other organizations, they can reinforce the unequal division of caregiving responsibilities that already exists within many families.”
From re- + inforce.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.