verb

fortify

/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ/ · say it: FOR·tuh·fy

to strengthen against attack

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to make something stronger or more able to defend against attack

2. (verb) to add vitamins or minerals to food or drink to make it healthier

Examples

The castle was fortified with high walls and towers.
This breakfast cereal is fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

How to use fortify

Fortify has two main senses: the military/defensive sense (to strengthen a place or resolve against attack or difficulty) and the nutritional sense (to enhance food/drink with added nutrients). Both convey the idea of making something stronger or better equipped. The term is common in both formal military contexts and commercial food marketing.

Common phrases

fortify a position
fortify a city
fortify one's resolve
fortified wine
fortified cereals
fortify against attack

Synonyms

strengthen · reinforce · bolster · harden · enrich

Opposites

weaken · undermine

Word family

fortification (noun) · fortified (adjective) · fortifier (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse fortify with clarify or notify due to similar word endings; also, some use it transitively when the context requires a reflexive structure (fortify oneself rather than simply fortify).

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