reinforce

reinforce — verb

1. to add extra material or support to a physical object or structure so that it be

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to add extra material or support to a physical object or structure so that it becomes stronger and less likely to break or fail, for example adding steel beams to a concrete wall.

例句

The workers reinforced the old bridge with steel beams before the winter rains came.

reinforce + with + [material] for physical strengthening

Brandon reinforced the garden wall after noticing cracks spreading through the brickwork.

同義詞
  • strengthen

    more general; 'reinforce' implies adding extra support to something that already exists

  • fortify

    stronger and suggests making something able to withstand attacks or extreme conditions

  • bolster

    suggests propping up something weak; 'reinforce' suggests the base is already solid

反義詞

文法句型

reinforce + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with the preposition 'with' to state the material added. Past participle 'reinforced' is common as an adjective before nouns, e.g. 'reinforced concrete', 'reinforced glass'.

常見錯誤

❌I reinforced the door adding a new lock.
✅I reinforced the door by adding a new lock.
💡When describing the method, use 'by + -ing', not a bare -ing clause.
❌The army reinforced the building.' (for adding soldiers)
✅The army reinforced its position with extra troops.
💡For military personnel, see sense 3 below.

2. to provide new information, evidence, or arguments that make an existing belief,

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to provide new information, evidence, or arguments that make an existing belief, opinion, or idea seem more likely to be true or correct, for example a study that reinforces the link between diet and health.

例句

The latest study reinforces the idea that regular exercise improves memory in older adults.

reinforce + that-clause for supporting a belief

Selim's success in the competition reinforced his belief that hard work pays off in the end.

同義詞
  • support

    less formal; 'reinforce' is stronger and suggests adding weight to something already believed

  • bolster

    suggests boosting something that may be weak; 'reinforce' implies the base is solid

  • corroborate

    more formal and limited to evidence supporting a claim; less common in everyday speech

反義詞

文法句型

reinforce + noun phrase

reinforce + that-clause

reinforce + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Subject is often an impersonal thing (study, report, event, evidence) but can also be a person. 'Reinforce' in this sense does not mean 'prove'; it means adding weight to an existing position. Distinguish from sense 1 (physical objects) and sense 3 (military).

常見錯誤

❌The study reinforced the new theory.' (implies the theory was already established)
✅The study reinforced the existing theory with fresh evidence.
💡'Reinforce' works best when something already in place is made stronger, not for brand-new ideas.

3. to send extra troops, vehicles, weapons, or supplies to support a military force

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to send extra troops, vehicles, weapons, or supplies to support a military force during a battle or operation, with the aim of making that force stronger and better able to continue fighting.

例句

The general ordered two battalions to reinforce the troops defending the eastern front.

reinforce + [military unit] for sending support

Noa's unit was sent to reinforce the soldiers stationed at the remote border post.

同義詞
  • support

    broader and less specific to military contexts

  • supplement

    suggests adding to an existing force without the urgency of battle

文法句型

reinforce + military noun phrase

用法筆記

The object is usually a military group (army, troops, battalion) or a strategic position (garrison, front line). Related noun form 'reinforcements' (plural) is very common in military contexts. This sense is rarely used figuratively outside military or strategy writing.

常見錯誤

❌The manager reinforced the team with new staff.' (confusing with business context)
✅The manager expanded the team by hiring new staff.
💡For non-military contexts, use 'strengthen' or 'expand' rather than 'reinforce'.

4. to use rewards, praise, or positive feedback to encourage a particular behavior

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use rewards, praise, or positive feedback to encourage a particular behavior or response, making it more likely that the same behavior will be repeated in the future, for example giving a child a sticker each time they finish their homework.

例句

Teachers can reinforce good behavior by praising students when they share toys with classmates.

reinforce + [behavior] + by + -ing

The dog trainer reinforced calm behavior by giving the puppy a small treat each time it sat quietly.

同義詞
  • encourage

    broader and less technical; 'reinforce' implies a deliberate, systematic approach

  • reward

    focuses on the act of giving a reward; 'reinforce' includes the effect of making the behavior more likely

反義詞

文法句型

reinforce + noun phrase + by + -ing phrase

reinforce + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common in psychology and education. The thing being reinforced is always a behavior, habit, or response — never a person. The reward is introduced with 'by' or 'with'. Distinguish from sense 2, where ideas/beliefs (not behaviors) are strengthened.

常見錯誤

❌I reinforced my brother to study harder.
✅I reinforced my brother's study habits by praising him when he finished his homework.
💡The object must be the behavior or habit, not the person.