reinforcement
|re-in-force-ment|
🇺🇸
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrsmənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/
(reinforce)
strengthen
Etymology
'reinforcement' originates from the French word 'renforcement', where 're-' meant 'again' and 'enforcement' meant 'strengthening'.
'renforcement' transformed into the English word 'reinforcement' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to strengthen again', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'strengthening' and 'support'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of strengthening or encouraging something.
The bridge required reinforcement to support the increased traffic.
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Noun 2
additional troops or resources sent to support a military action.
The army received reinforcements to bolster their defenses.
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Noun 3
in psychology, a stimulus that strengthens or increases the probability of a specific response.
Positive reinforcement can encourage good behavior in children.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41