Meaning & use
fortify
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To make a place stronger so it can be defended against attack.
Grammar: Takes an object: fortify a city. Often used in passive: be fortified with walls.
Patterns
- fortify something
- fortify something against something
- be fortified with something
The soldiers fortified the castle with thick stone walls.
They built a new wall to fortify the city against invaders.
The ancient town was fortified with high towers and a moat.
verbtransitive
To make someone feel stronger, braver, or more determined.
Grammar: Takes an object: fortify someone's spirit. Often used with abstract nouns like courage, resolve.
Patterns
- fortify someone
- fortify someone's courage
- fortify oneself
The good news fortified her spirits after a difficult week.
A cup of hot tea fortified him for the long journey ahead.
Their support fortified me when I felt like giving up.
verbtransitive
To add vitamins or minerals to food or drink to make it healthier.
Grammar: Takes an object: fortify cereal. Often passive: cereal fortified with iron.
Patterns
- fortify something with something
- be fortified with something
Many breakfast cereals are fortified with extra vitamins and iron.
The company fortifies its orange juice with calcium.
This bread is fortified with folic acid for added health benefits.
Word forms
| third person singular | fortifies |
|---|---|
| past tense | fortified |
| past participle | fortified |
| -ing form | fortifying |
Common combinations
- fortify a city
- The Romans fortified the city with a massive wall.
- fortify against attack
- The troops fortified the border against attack.
- fortify with vitamins
- The cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- fortify one's resolve
- The encouraging words fortified his resolve to continue.
Synonyms and how they differ
- strengthen
- A general word for making something stronger; 'fortify' often implies defense or added nutrients.
- reinforce
- To make something stronger by adding material or support; often used for structures or arguments, not food.
- secure
- To make safe from attack; focuses on protection, while 'fortify' focuses on building up strength.
Opposites
Word family
- fortification noun
- The act of strengthening a place, or a wall or tower built for defense.
- fortified adjective
- Made stronger or given added nutrients, as in 'fortified wine'.
Practice
The cereal is ______ with iron and several vitamins.
Choose one answer.
The passive voice 'is fortified' fits because the cereal receives the action. 'Fortifying' would be active and wrong here; 'fortify' is the base form and cannot follow 'is'; 'fortifies' is present tense active and does not fit the passive meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fortify”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.