reinforcement
n. C / Un. the act of making something stronger. In psychology, it means giving a reward or a punishment to encourage someone to keep doing a specific behavior.
n. the process of strengthening a response by providing a stimulus immediately following the behavior. Often refers to the addition of extra personnel or material to strengthen a military or structural position.
The teacher used praise as positive reinforcement for the students.
Consistent reinforcement of house rules helps children understand which behaviors are expected and which are not allowed.
The structural integrity of the bridge was improved through the reinforcement of its steel supports, ensuring it could withstand the increased traffic load predicted for the next decade.
From reinforce + -ment.
Uncountable when referring to the abstract process of strengthening; countable when referring to specific physical materials or additional people.