verb
reinforce
To make something stronger or support it with additional evidence.
The builders reinforce the roof with extra steel beams.
Etymology
Reinforce adds renewed or additional force to something. The physical strengthening image also describes evidence that increases the support for a claim.
More examples
- The new findings reinforce her argument for cleaner air.
- Daily practice reinforces the skills students learn in class.
- We reinforced the torn pocket with a fabric patch.
Forms
reinforce · reinforces · reinforced · reinforcing
reinforcement noun — Additional support that makes something stronger.
Similar words
- strengthen
- Means making stronger, not necessarily by adding extra support.
- bolster
- Emphasizes supporting something weak, threatened, or lacking confidence.
- corroborate
- Specifically means supporting a claim with additional confirming evidence.