# reinforce

/ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹs/ (US) · /ɹˌiːɪnfˈɔːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reinforce
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to make physically stronger

verb · CEFR B2

to make a structure or object stronger by adding more material to it.

For teachers: to strengthen a physical object or structure by adding extra support or material. Transitive; requires a direct object.

- The workers had to reinforce the old bridge with steel beams before heavy trucks could cross.
- Engineers decided to reinforce the concrete foundations after discovering that the soil was more unstable than the initial surveys had suggested.

### 2. to support an idea

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to make an idea, belief, or feeling stronger.

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

- The latest news will only reinforce her opinion that the plan is a bad idea.
- The professor presented several case studies to reinforce the theory that economic stability is directly linked to high literacy rates.

### 3. to encourage behavior

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to encourage a specific habit or way of acting by rewarding it.

For teachers: to strengthen a behavioral response by providing a stimulus or reward following the action.

- You can reinforce good behavior in a dog by giving it a small treat.
- Positive feedback from managers can effectively reinforce a culture of collaboration and transparency within the workplace.

## Examples

- The teacher uses praise to reinforce good behavior in the classroom.
- The construction crew added steel beams to reinforce the old bridge before the heavy winter rains began.
- The latest economic data serves to reinforce the central bank's argument that interest rates must remain elevated to combat persistent inflationary pressures.

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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.