Definition

Adjective: 1. Strengthened or supported by the addition of material or structure: Made stronger or more durable, often by adding an extra component for support or resistance. 2. (Of a material like concrete) containing embedded elements for strength: Specifically describing a composite material where a primary material is strengthened by a secondary, stronger material embedded within it. 3. (Of an idea, behavior, or feeling) made stronger or more entrenched: Intensified or made more established through repeated action or additional input.

Usage and Examples

• Describing strengthened structures or objects:
  • The reinforced door could withstand significant force.
  • They built a reinforced wall to protect against floods.
• Describing composite materials (especially concrete):
  • The bridge is made of reinforced concrete with steel cables inside.
  • Reinforced plastic is used for lightweight but strong containers.
• Describing intensified abstract concepts:
  • His fear was reinforced by the eerie silence.
  • The positive feedback reinforced her confidence.

Advanced Usage

• "Self-reinforcing": Describing a process or cycle where the result of an action strengthens the cause, leading to its own intensification.
  • The success of the product created a self-reinforcing cycle of investment and innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Reinforce (verb): To strengthen or support.
  • They needed to reinforce the roof before the storm.
  • The teacher used praise to reinforce good behavior.
• Reinforcement (noun):
  • The action or process of strengthening.

    • The reinforcement of the levee was completed.
  • A thing that strengthens or supports.

    • Steel bars act as reinforcement in the concrete.
  • (In psychology) A consequence that strengthens a behavioral response.

    • The reward served as positive reinforcement.

Synonyms

• Strengthened
• Fortified
• Braced
• Supported
• Buttressed

Antonyms

• Weakened
• Undermined
• Compromised

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Reinforced concrete: A concrete in which steel bars (rebar) or mesh is embedded to increase its tensile strength.
• To reinforce an idea/opinion: To provide additional support for a belief, making it stronger or more widely accepted.
  • The new data seemed to reinforce the scientist's hypothesis.

Adjective

1. (used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
   • the built liquid detergents
2. given added strength or support
   • reinforced concrete contains steel bars or metal netting