fortify
/ˈfɔː.tɪ.faɪ/- 1.
To make a place physically stronger so it is harder to attack. This usually involves building walls, barriers, or defensive structures.
- The army fortified the border with concrete barriers and watchtowers.
- Soldiers worked through the night to fortify the camp.
- The ancient city was fortified against invasion for centuries.
- 2.
To make a person feel stronger, more confident, or more ready to face something difficult. Often used in emotional or mental contexts.
- She drank hot tea to fortify herself before the job interview.
- His kind words fortified her confidence before the speech.
- A long walk can fortify your mind before a stressful day.
- 3.
To add vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to food or drink to make it healthier or stronger. Common in nutrition and food science contexts.
- This milk is fortified with vitamin D and calcium.
- Many breakfast cereals are fortified to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- The government required flour to be fortified with iron.
Adinary Nuance
Fortify sits in a cluster with strengthen, reinforce, and bolster — but each has a distinct feel. "Strengthen" is the most general: you strengthen almost anything. "Fortify" implies building up a defense against a specific threat — it suggests deliberate, structural preparation, not just an increase in power. "Reinforce" usually means adding support to something that already exists, like reinforcing a wall that is already standing. "Bolster" is softer and more emotional — you bolster someone's morale or confidence in a temporary, encouraging way. In IELTS and academic writing, choose "fortify" when the idea of protection against a challenge is central; choose "strengthen" when you simply mean to increase degree or quality.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- củng cố
- Spanish
- fortalecer
- Chinese
- 加固
- Japanese
- 強化する
- Korean
- 강화하다
Etymology
From Latin "fortis" (strong) combined with "-ficare" (to make), arriving in English via Old French "fortifier" in the late 14th century. The core idea of "making strong" has remained consistent across all its modern uses.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'fortify' and 'strengthen'?
- 'Strengthen' is a general word for making anything more powerful or effective. 'Fortify' is more specific — it suggests building up a defense or protection against a known threat. For example, you 'strengthen a relationship' but 'fortify a position' against an attack.
- Can I write 'fortify an argument' in an academic essay?
- It sounds slightly unnatural. Native writers more commonly say 'strengthen an argument' or 'reinforce a point.' Save 'fortify' for contexts involving defense, resilience, or nutrition, where it sounds most natural.
- What does 'fortified wine' mean?
- 'Fortified wine' is wine that has had extra alcohol (usually brandy) added to it. Examples include port and sherry. The word 'fortify' here means the drink has been made stronger.
- Is 'fortify' a formal word?
- Yes, 'fortify' is somewhat formal and appears often in academic, military, and nutritional writing. In everyday spoken English, people more often say 'strengthen' or 'boost.' It is a good word for IELTS essays and formal reports.