reinforcements
|re-in-force-ments|
🇺🇸
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrsmənts/
🇬🇧
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənts/
(reinforcement)
make stronger / add support
Etymology
'reinforcement' originates from French, specifically the word 'renforcer' (and noun 'renfort'), where the prefix 're-' meant 'again' and 'forcer' (from Latin root related to 'fortis') meant 'to make strong'.
'reinforcement' developed via Middle French 'renforcement' and Middle English forms such as 'reinforcment', eventually becoming the modern English 'reinforcement'.
Initially it meant 'the act of making strong again', but over time it broadened to mean 'additional strength or support' and also 'materials used to strengthen structures'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
additional personnel, troops, or forces sent to support or strengthen a military unit or group.
The commander called for reinforcements when the enemy began to outnumber his men.
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Noun 2
materials or structural elements added to strengthen a building or object (e.g., steel reinforcements in concrete).
The bridge required extra reinforcements to meet the new load requirements.
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Noun 3
additional help, resources, or support provided to strengthen an effort, argument, or organization (figurative use).
The charity received financial reinforcements that allowed it to expand its programs.
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Last updated: 2025/12/11 16:36