reinforces

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Makes something stronger, firmer or harder to damage by adding material or support to it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: the steel reinforces the wall.

   Patterns

   • reinforce something with something
   • something reinforces something

   A metal frame reinforces the old wooden door.

   The engineer reinforces the bridge with extra steel beams.

   Thick tape reinforces the corners of the box.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Makes an idea, feeling, habit or belief stronger, usually because something confirms it or repeats it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: this result reinforces our view.

   Patterns

   • something reinforces the idea that
   • reinforce a belief

   Each new study reinforces the idea that sleep helps memory.

   Praise from the teacher reinforces good habits in the class.

   The advert reinforces the stereotype it claims to challenge.

3. 3verbtransitivemilitary

   Sends extra people or troops to a group so that it becomes larger and more able to cope.

   Grammar: Takes an object: the general reinforces the garrison.

   Patterns

   • reinforce something with something

   The army reinforces the border with fresh soldiers.

   The hospital reinforces the night team with extra nurses during storms.

   The captain reinforces the defence by adding a fifth player at the back.

Word forms

Common combinations

reinforces the idea that

The data reinforces the idea that exercise improves mood.

reinforces a message

The slogan reinforces a message of safety.

reinforces a stereotype

The film reinforces a harmful stereotype.

reinforces a wall

A steel bar reinforces a wall against earthquakes.

reinforces the point

The example reinforces the point she made earlier.

Synonyms and how they differ

strengthens

Strengthens is the general everyday word, while reinforces suggests adding support to something that already exists.

supports

Supports means holding something up or backing it, but reinforces implies the thing is made stronger than before.

bolsters

Bolsters is slightly more figurative and often used for confidence or arguments, whereas reinforces also fits physical structures.

confirms

Confirms only says something is shown to be true, while reinforces says a belief becomes firmer as a result.

Opposites

Word family

reinforce verb

the base verb, to make stronger

reinforcement noun

the act of strengthening, or extra support or troops

reinforced adjective

strengthened with extra material, as in reinforced concrete

reinforcer noun

something that makes a behaviour more likely, used in psychology

Commonly confused: reinforces or enforces?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reinforces”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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