Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

fortify

Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːtɪfʌɪ/
Translate fortify | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of fortify

verb (fortifies, fortifying, fortified)

[with object]
  • 1provide (a place) with defensive works as protection against attack:the whole town was heavily fortified (as adjective fortified)a fortified manor house
  • strengthen (someone) mentally or physically:the girl was fortified by her religious faith
  • 2 (often as adjective fortified) add spirits to (wine) to make port, sherry, etc.:fortified wine
  • increase the nutritive value of (food) by adding vitamins.

Derivatives

fortifiable

adjective

fortifier

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from French fortifier, from late Latin fortificare, from Latin fortis 'strong'

fortify in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of fortify in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

More words in this category

Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …