# reinforced

/ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹst/ (US) · /ɹˌiːɪnfˈɔːst/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. physically strengthened

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The workers used reinforced concrete to build the bridge so it could carry heavy trucks.
- The architect specified reinforced steel beams for the foundation to ensure the skyscraper could withstand seismic activity in the region.

### 2. supported an idea

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The teacher's praise reinforced the student's desire to work hard in class.
- The latest quarterly data reinforced the board's suspicion that the current marketing strategy was no longer reaching the target demographic.

## Examples

- The workers used reinforced steel to build the bridge.
- The architect insisted on using reinforced concrete for the foundation to ensure the building could withstand earthquakes.
- The witness's testimony reinforced the prosecutor's argument, making it nearly impossible for the defense to maintain their original version of events.

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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.