Reinforce

/ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːrs/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel or material.

The teacher used visual aids to reinforce the students' understanding of the complex topic.

to make (an idea, behavior, or action) stronger or more intense.

The campaign aims to reinforce the importance of recycling in the community.

to add strength or support to something.

The construction workers added steel beams to reinforce the structure of the building.

Middle French 'reinforcer', from 're-' (again) + 'enforcer' (to strengthen).

reinforcement learning

A type of machine learning where an agent learns to make decisions by receiving rewards or penalties.

social reinforcement

Positive feedback or reinforcement received from social interactions or relationships.

reinforcement theory

A psychological theory that suggests behavior is influenced by rewards or punishments.

fortify

To strengthen a place with defensive works.

support

To bear all or part of the weight of something.

To back someone up in an argument or situation.

He reinforced my points during the debate.

To hype up a situation or person.

She reinforced his confidence before the performance.