Word a Day
fortify
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?
- We will fortify the gates with iron bars. (Tatoeba sentence #11771669 by ddnktr, CC BY 2.0 FR)
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.
Learn a word like “fortify” every day
Word a Day for iPhone quizzes you on a few new words a day and brings each one back for review at growing intervals. Free, no account, no ads.
Coming soon to the App Store