fortify
To strengthen or secure; to make more resistant
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to fortify our cybersecurity measures before launching the new platform.”
Over coffee
“I fortified myself with a big breakfast before the long hike.”
Why this word
strengthen
fortify implies reinforcing against specific threats or attacks, strengthen is general improvement
reinforce
fortify suggests preparation for resistance or defense, reinforce just means adding support
protect
fortify means actively building defenses, protect is the general act of keeping safe
Usage tip
Use when adding strength or protection to something. Works for physical structures, arguments, or mental/emotional preparation.
Etymology
Latin: fortificare, from fortis (strong) + facere (to make)
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Related words
bolster
Strengthen or support
amplify
Increase the strength or intensity of something
solidify
To make something more definite, stable, or established
buffer
Add extra time, space, or resources as protection against problems
safeguard
Protect something from harm or damage
reinforce
To strengthen or support something that already exists