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Fortifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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fortifying

 

[ˈfɔː.tɪ.faɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food

Strengthen (a drink or food) by adding alcohol, vitamins, or other substances.

Synonyms

boost, enrich, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortifying

Primarily used in contexts related to improving strength, defense, or resilience, often in physical or nutritional scenarios.

  • We need to start fortifying our home against possible intruders.
  • The cereal is fortifying with essential vitamins and minerals.
strengthen

Used in situations where increasing force, durability, or robustness is needed. Applicable in physical, emotional, or conceptual contexts.

  • Regular exercise will strengthen your muscles.
  • Programs designed to strengthen community bonds are essential for societal well-being.
enrich

Typically refers to adding value, quality, or nutrient content to something. Often used in educational, cultural, or nutritional contexts.

  • Reading a variety of books can greatly enrich your knowledge.
  • The soil can be enriched with compost to improve plant growth.
boost

Commonly used to describe a quick or sudden increase in power, morale, or effectiveness. It can also relate to encouragement or support.

  • Drinking a cup of coffee always gives me a boost in the morning.
  • The company launched a new marketing campaign to boost sales.

Examples of usage

  • Fortifying orange juice with vitamin C.
  • The wine was fortified with brandy.
  • She fortified her porridge with extra protein powder.
Context #2 | Verb

emotion

Strengthen (someone) mentally or physically.

Synonyms

empower, reinforce, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortifying

Used when talking about making something stronger or more secure, often in a physical or structural sense. However, it can also be used metaphorically for strengthening resolve or confidence.

  • They are fortifying the walls of the castle to better defend against attacks.
  • Drinking this vitamin-rich smoothie is a great way to fortify your immune system.
strengthen

Used in a broad range of contexts, both physical and abstract, to describe the act of making something stronger or more effective.

  • Regular exercise will strengthen your muscles.
  • We need to strengthen our argument with more evidence.
reinforce

This word is often used in contexts where something already exists and needs additional support or strengthening, whether that be physical structures, ideas, or behaviors.

  • We need to reinforce the bridge to ensure it can handle heavier traffic.
  • Their success serves to reinforce the idea that hard work pays off.
empower

Typically used in social or personal contexts where the goal is to give someone the confidence, authority, or strength to do something. It has a positive connotation.

  • The workshop aims to empower women to pursue leadership roles.
  • Giving employees more responsibility can empower them to perform better.

Examples of usage

  • She was fortified by the support of her friends.
  • The inspiring speech fortified the team before the game.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'fortificare', meaning to make strong, which is derived from 'fortis', meaning strong.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, initially relating to strengthening buildings or defenses.

Nutrition

  • Fortifying food often involves adding vitamins and minerals to make them healthier, like adding vitamin D to milk.
  • Many cereals are fortified with iron to help prevent anemia, especially in children and pregnant women.

Military History

  • Throughout history, fortifying has been crucial for protecting cities from attacks, leading to the construction of famous fortresses like the Great Wall of China.
  • In medieval times, castles were built with fortified walls and towers to defend against invading armies.

Psychological Impact

  • Emotional fortification involves building resilience, which helps people cope better with stress or challenges.
  • Support from friends and family can be a way of fortifying one’s mental health, providing encouragement during tough times.

Literature

  • In various works of literature, characters often 'fortify' their beliefs, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and conviction.
  • Poets frequently use the imagery of fortification to symbolize the building of one's character and resolve.

Translations

Translations of the word "fortifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fortalecendo

🇮🇳 मजबूत करना

🇩🇪 stärken

🇮🇩 memperkuat

🇺🇦 зміцнення

🇵🇱 wzmacnianie

🇯🇵 強化する (きょうかする)

🇫🇷 renforcer

🇪🇸 fortaleciendo

🇹🇷 güçlendirme

🇰🇷 강화하다

🇸🇦 تعزيز

🇨🇿 posilování

🇸🇰 posilňovanie

🇨🇳 强化 (qiánghuà)

🇸🇮 utrjevanje

🇮🇸 styrkja

🇰🇿 нығайту

🇬🇪 გაძლიერება

🇦🇿 möhkəmləndirmək

🇲🇽 fortaleciendo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,235, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.