American English
/ˈfɔɹ.ɾɪˌfaɪ.ɪŋ/
4 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: fortify
to make a building, town, or other place stronger and safer against attack
Practice out loudto make a building, town, or other place stronger and safer against attack
The army fortified the town before winter.
They fortified the bridge against enemy attacks.
fortify a city · fortify a building · fortify the walls · fortify defenses
fortify + a building/place
fortify + something + against + attack
to make an idea, plan, argument, or position stronger
New evidence fortified her argument.
The report fortified the case for reform.
fortify an argument · fortify a case · fortify a position · fortify a proposal
fortify + an argument/position
fortify + something + with + evidence
to add vitamins, minerals, or other useful substances to food or drink
The company fortifies its milk with vitamin D.
Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron.
fortified cereal · fortified milk · fortified foods · fortified with vitamins
fortify + food/drink + with + vitamins/minerals
food/drink + be + fortified + with + vitamins/minerals
to give someone more courage or mental strength before something difficult
She fortified herself for the difficult conversation.
His friends' support fortified him during the crisis.
fortify yourself · fortify your resolve · fortified by support · fortify yourself against fear
fortify + yourself + against + something difficult
be + fortified + by + support
to prepare yourself mentally for something difficult
She fortified herself against the bad news.
containing nutrients that have been added
This milk is fortified with vitamin D.
wine with extra alcohol added
Port is a type of fortified wine.
Before -ed, the y changes to i: fortified, not fortifyed. Before -ing, keep the y: fortifying.