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Word a Day

fortify

verb · /ˈfɔɹtɪˌfaɪ/ · Level 3 · Advanced

What does fortify mean?

fortify (verb): to make (something) defensible against attack by hostile forces.

Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

How do you use fortify in a sentence?

How do you pronounce fortify?

/ˈfɔɹtɪˌfaɪ/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.

Where does fortify come from?

From Late Middle English fortifien, fortfien (“to strengthen (a castle, etc.) from attack; to strengthen (an army, etc.); to strengthen (a person), aid, support; to reinforce, support; to improve; to increase the efficacy of”).

Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Test yourself: do you know “fortify”?

Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.

What does “fortify” mean?

to move, pass, or go forward or onward; to advance; to carry on

Not quite: that's what proceed means.

to kick a ball dropped from the hands before it hits the ground

Not quite: that's what punt means.

to commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action

Not quite: that's what dedicate means.

to make (something) defensible against attack by hostile forces

Right! That's what “fortify” means.

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