See Also: fortify(dictionary)
fortify(dictionary)

fortify (iou)



fortify verb. LME.
[Old & mod. French fortifier from late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis strong: see -FY.]
I. Make strong.
verb trans. Strengthen the structure of. LME.
Dryden The..Bee..Employ'd at home..to fortify the Combs.
b. spec. Strengthen (a gun) by additional thickness of metal; strengthen (a ship) by additional timbers etc. E17.
c. Cover or bind with some protective material or appliance. Now passing into senses 7 and 8. E17.
Wellington Kegs..well fortified with iron hoops.
verb trans. Impart strength or vigour to; give (a person, oneself) strength or endurance for some effort. LME.
B. Bainbridge To fortify herself for the task ahead she allowed herself a little more brandy.
verb trans.
a. Strengthen mentally or morally; cheer, encourage. LME.
S. Lewis The assurance of Tanis Judique's friendship fortified Babbitt's self-approval.
b. Confirm, add support to (a statement etc.). arch. LME.
H. Martineau A distinct charge is brought against you, fortified by particulars.
verb trans. Make more powerful or effective; reinforce with additional resources; garrison (a fortress). LME-E18.
E. Hall He fortified Burdeaux with Englishmen.
verb intrans. Gain strength, grow strong. E-M17.
verb trans.
a. Strengthen (wine) with alcohol, esp. a spirit. Freq. as fortified ppl adjective. L19.
b. Increase the nutritive value of (food), esp. with vitamins. M20.
Which? Instant potato contains no vitamin C, unless it has been fortified.
II. Strengthen against attack.
verb trans. Provide (a town etc.) with defensive works; protect with fortifications. LME.
W. Robertson These were..commanded to fortify Leith.
verb trans. Surround (an army etc.) with defences; put in a state of defence. L15.
F. Fitzgerald The Vietnamese would have to fortify Vietnamese hamlets against other Vietnamese.
verb intrans. Erect fortifications; establish a defensive position. L16.
U. S. Grant The enemy was fortifying at Corinth.
fortifiable adjective E17.
fortifier noun M16.