fortify

verb

ˈfȯr-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce fortify (audio)
Definition of fortifynext
1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally Kelly fortified herself for the basketball tournament with a series of confidence-boosting exercises

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2
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force he downed another granola bar to fortify himself for the rest of the bike ride

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3
as in to harden
to make able to withstand physical hardship, strain, or exposure bought lots of warm clothing to fortify ourselves against the cold

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fortify Japan considers China's rapidly growing military activities in and around Japan, including in the Pacific Ocean, as a threat and has fortified its southwestern region with longer-range missiles and interceptors in recent years. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 The department dedicated resources under an office called the National Protection and Programs Directorate to help fortify advanced cyber defense systems and important infrastructure. — Andy Mannix, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2026 At the trade deadline the following season, the Houston Astros acquired Smith from the Braves to fortify their bullpen. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Young also could pull the ultimate heel turn and sign with the New York Liberty, fortifying their perimeter rotation. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortify
  1. brace
  2. strengthen
  3. ready
Verb
  • Downstream, residents of the vast Navajo Nation braced for floodwaters not expected to peak until late Friday or early Saturday.
    — MEAD GRUVER, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • France is bracing for yet another wave of protests this weekend with authorities racing to prevent a repeat of the kind of violence and riots that hit the nation last week.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of brace
Verb
  • The goal is to strengthen leadership skills and explore key topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, change management, communication and self-promotion.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Low pressure strengthening off the Carolina coast will gradually move northward, while high pressure remains anchored to our north.
    — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • The rest of the ensemble, including fiddler Jeremy Garrett, dobroist Andy Hall, and standup bassist Travis Book, are tuning up and readying themselves for the gig.
    — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The festival is an annual opportunity to catch the best from the global festival circuit — especially as Oscar campaign season readies for November.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of ready

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fortifies
fortify
fortifying
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Cite this Entry

“Fortify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortify. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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