What does "reinforce" mean?

1. (to make physically stronger) to make a structure or object stronger by adding more material to it. 2. (to support an idea) to make an idea, belief, or feeling stronger. 3. (to encourage behavior) to encourage a specific habit or way of acting by rewarding it.

reinforce

US //ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹs// UK //ɹˌiːɪnfˈɔːs// re·in·force

1 to make physically stronger (v.)
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.

Example

The workers had to reinforce the old bridge with steel beams before heavy trucks could cross.

Example

Engineers decided to reinforce the concrete foundations after discovering that the soil was more unstable than the initial surveys had suggested.
- weaken
- undermine
2 to support an idea (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to make an idea, belief, or feeling stronger.

to provide additional support for a concept, argument, or belief, making it more convincing or established.

Example

The latest news will only reinforce her opinion that the plan is a bad idea.

Example

The professor presented several case studies to reinforce the theory that economic stability is directly linked to high literacy rates.
- support
- confirm
- back up
- contradict
- weaken

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3 to encourage behavior (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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.

Example

You can reinforce good behavior in a dog by giving it a small treat.

Example

Positive feedback from managers can effectively reinforce a culture of collaboration and transparency within the workplace.
- encourage
- condition
- discourage

Origin

From re- + inforce.

Word family

Verbreinforce
Nounreinforcement