# reinforcement

/ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹsmənt/ (US) · /ɹˌiːɪnfˈɔːsmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reinforcement
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. strengthening a structure

noun · CEFR B2

the act of making a structure or material stronger by adding something to it.

For teachers: the physical strengthening of an object or material through the addition of supportive elements.

- The old bridge needed steel reinforcement to handle the weight of modern trucks.
- Engineers recommended carbon-fiber reinforcement for the concrete pillars to ensure the building could withstand seismic activity.

### 2. military support

noun · CEFR B2

extra soldiers, planes, or ships sent to help an army during a battle.

For teachers: additional personnel or equipment sent to augment a military force during an operation.

- The captain called for reinforcements when he realized they were outnumbered.
- The arrival of aerial reinforcements turned the tide of the battle, providing the ground troops with much-needed cover.

### 3. encouraging behavior

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a reward or consequence that makes a person or animal want to repeat an action.

For teachers: the process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behavior by offering a reward or removing a negative stimulus.

- Giving the dog a treat for sitting is a form of positive reinforcement.
- The study examined how intermittent reinforcement schedules can make a specific behavior more resistant to extinction over time.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.