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fortify

verb

for·​ti·​fy ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce fortify (audio)
fortified; fortifying
Synonyms of fortifynext

transitive verb

: to make strong: such as
a
: to strengthen and secure (a place, such as a town) by forts or batteries
a city fortified by high walls
b
: to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to
fortified by a hearty meal
c
: to add mental or moral strength to : encourage
fortified by prayer
fortified by early successes
d
: to strengthen or enhance by the addition of some substance or ingredient: such as
(1)
: to add distilled grape spirits to (wine) during fermentation to increase the alcohol content
… both the red and white versions we get in this country have been American-made-from California wine fortified with a touch of brandy.—Jim Nelson
(2)
: to enrich (food) by adding ingredients (such as vitamins or minerals) to improve the nutritional value
… make sure any soy milk you buy is fortified with vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health.—Selene Yeager

intransitive verb

: to erect fortifications
fortifier
ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce fortify (audio)
noun

Did you know?

Medieval cities were fortified against attack by high walls, and volunteers may fortify a levee against an overflowing river by means of sandbags. Foods can be fortified by adding vitamins, but "fortified wines", such as sherry and port, have brandy (a "stronger" drink) rather than vitamins added to them. By adopting good exercise habits, you can fortify your body against illness. And fortifying needn't always be physical. An author's reputation may be fortified by the success of his new book, or a prosecutor can fortify a case against a suspect by finding more evidence.

Synonyms of fortify

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Examples of fortify in a Sentence

fortify a city against attack a city fortified by high walls Support for his theories has been fortified by the results of these experiments. He took a deep breath to fortify himself before stepping onto the stage. milk fortified with vitamin D
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The economic cost is caused by losses in the fishing industry, damage to coastal communities and impacts to systems that help fortify those communities, like mangroves and reefs. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026 The cost-cutting Rangers likely won’t dance in those waters, but could a Zack Littell, Tyler Anderson or Griffin Canning-caliber arm be enough to fortify the back end of the rotation? —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026 The Diamondbacks have already fortified their starting rotation by bringing back free-agent Merrill Kelly on a two-year deal after trading him at last year’s deadline, and signing right-handed veteran Mike Soroka. —Katie Woo, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 The 10-time Gold Glove winner still plays a strong third base and will fortify the position for the Diamondbacks defensively. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fortifien, from Anglo-French fortifier, from Late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis strong

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortify was in the 15th century

Rhymes for fortify

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Browse Nearby Words

fortifier
fortify
fortifyingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortify. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fortify

verb
for·​ti·​fy ˈfȯrt-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce fortify (audio)
fortified; fortifying
: to make strong: as
a
: to strengthen by military defenses
fortify a town
b
: to give strength or endurance to
fortify the body against illness
a team fortified by the cheering crowd
c
: to add material to for strengthening or improving : enrich
fortify a soil with fertilizer
milk fortified with vitamin D
fortifier
-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce fortify (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fortify

Nglish: Translation of fortify for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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