Meaning & use
reinforcement
Additional support, material, or personnel sent to strengthen something that already exists.
See it in a sentence
The general called for reinforcement after the front line began to weaken.
The bridge needed extra steel reinforcement to safely carry heavier trucks.
A note on using this word
In psychology, reinforcement refers specifically to something that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated, as with a reward.
Words with a similar meaning
supportbackup
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
In psychology, a reward or consequence that increases the likelihood a behavior will happen again.
The trainer used treats as positive reinforcement to teach the dog new tricks.
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