ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reinforced

adj. · v.
US //ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹst// UK //ɹˌiːɪnfˈɔːst// re·in·forced
  1. 1 physically strengthened (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    made stronger by adding extra material, like steel inside concrete.

    strengthened by the addition of extra material or structural supports to increase durability or load-bearing capacity.

    Example

    The workers used reinforced concrete to build the bridge so it could carry heavy trucks.

    Example

    The architect specified reinforced steel beams for the foundation to ensure the skyscraper could withstand seismic activity in the region.
  2. 2 supported an idea (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    gave extra support to an idea, feeling, or habit to make it stronger.

    the past tense of reinforce, meaning to provide additional support or evidence to a statement, belief, or behaviour.

    Example

    The teacher's praise reinforced the student's desire to work hard in class.

    Example

    The latest quarterly data reinforced the board's suspicion that the current marketing strategy was no longer reaching the target demographic.
Origin

From reinforce + -ed.

© 2026 English Reference